Manchester United Next Director of Football Odds - 06/04/20

Since Alex Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, Manchester United have been a shadow of their former self. During the Scot's reign, United possessed some of the world's most exciting talents brought in from around the globe, with the likes of Wayne Rooney and Cristiano Ronaldo just a few legendary names to be found by Ferguson and David Gill.

However, in more recent times, young stars have chosen other Premier League clubs, whilst their budget has been incredibly restricted under Ed Woodward. Some have argued the reasoning for this is United’s failure to progress as a modern club, something so many other clubs have managed to find success in, none more so than their neighbours, Manchester City.

This has led Woodward and the board at Manchester United to consider hiring a director of football, after all, to ease the pressure on themselves and thus allow the club to compete amongst Europe’s elite once more.

That being said, with a director of football desperately needed, we take a look at the Paddy Power's odds for who this will be.

Antero Henrique, the man who got deals for both Kylian Mbappe and Neymar over the line within just a month of taking the role at Paris Saint-Germain, is the clear favourite with odds of 3/10.

Since becoming the director of football in 2017, Henrique has shown he does not mess around in getting what he wants, and he even managed to bring in players such as Idrissa Gueye last season for relatively cheap, beating other European heavyweights to his signature in the process.

Now, with odds of 3/10 with Paddy Power, it seems as if United have their eyes set on one man, and justifiably so.

Ole Gunnar Solskajer has been allowed to be a lot more active in the transfer market since taking over a year ago, compared to previous managers, such as Jose Mourinho. This could make Henrique the perfect signing for United, as his willingness to get deals done, plus Solskajer's blueprint could result in a strong rebuild.

Reports in France claim Henrique is very close to agreeing a deal with the Red Devils, making this bet a promising one for any punter keeping an eye on this situation. Other reports have even stated Henrique has already started looking at replacements for Solskjaer, as he looks to rebuild United to what they once were, just like previous chief executive Gill did.

Luis Campos, the current director of football for Lille OSC, is the next candidate to become United’s new top footballing man, with odds of 11/4.

The 55-year-old fired up reports left, right and centre back in October when he teased supporters of a potential move into the director of football role at United. Campos stated: "I know very well the situation of Manchester United and other clubs - but, in my opinion, everybody needs a sporting director."

He, like Henrique, is also very successful in signing talented players and having a strong reputation for his dealings in the transfer market. Campos was involved heavily in the signings of Nico Pepe, James Rodriguez and Bernado Silva during his time at Monaco, whilst his work as a scout at Real Madrid helped prize Luka Modric.

However, recent reports have suggested that Campos will choose to snub United. Although, if his record is anything to go by, this is a deal Woodward will surely want to go for and get over the line before the transfer window begins.

Plus, considering his previous comments on the club, odds of 11/4 are not so bad.

Another candidate United are reportedly interested in appointing is Spurs' former recruitment chief and current head of recruitment at RB Leipzig, Paul Mitchell, with odds of 4/1.

The Manchester-born seems a near-perfect fit for United, having obtained incredible experience already and has even worked with perhaps soon to be United manager, Mauricio Pochettino – the favourite in the candidacy for United’s next manager.

In working with the Argentine at Spurs, Mitchell brought in substantial signings such as Dele Alli, Kieran Trippier and Toby Alderweireld and clearly played a huge role in helping entirely transform the club into a European heavyweight.

Paddy Power have priced the odds at 4/1, making Mitchell an outside bet in the race to become United’s Director, but one that should certainly be considered based off his already impressive Premier League experience.

If you could ask a United fan who they would choose as their next director of football, no doubt most would say former employee, Gill, or perhaps Edwin van der Sar - considering his knowledge of the club and current work at Ajax.

Now, Gill and van der Sar have been featured in reports as candidates for the director of football role at United, with Gill rated at 6/1 while van der Sar has odds of 10/1 with Paddy Power.

A former chief executive for United, Gill would no doubt be the perfect fit for the club. He has worked under Sir Alex Ferguson and spent many successful years at the club and would, therefore, understands the ethos and the way the club runs already.

Former United goalkeeper, van der Sar, is another target for United. The Dutchman has featured heavily in reports for a while now, and even more so since his work as the chief executive of Ajax gained popularity in their magnificent success last season.

Although, due to his lack of experience in this specific role and with more qualified candidates more likely to be assigned, it is unlikely we will see van der Sar in charge of United’s decisions in the near future.

Gill, on the other hand, will always be in with a shout after 10 successful years from 2003-2013.

By Bradley Beecham