According to rumors in the Netherlands, Erik ten Hag has personally contacted Edwin van der Sar in an effort to persuade him to switch from Ajax to Manchester United.
After a disastrous 2021/22 season, United have long been rumored to add a new director of football to their backroom team. But now that John Murtough is in charge as the football director, there are less reports and more attention is being paid to Ten Hag’s implementation of his playing philosophy.
Van der Sar, a current CEO of Ajax and a former goalkeeper for United, had previously been connected to the position, but he signed a new deal with the Dutch champions in September. Ten Hag has contacted his former coworker despite the fact that the 51-year-old is not free from his Ajax contract until June 2025.
Voetbal Primeur claims that Ten Hag contacted Van der Sar last week to inquire about the prospect of him moving from Amsterdam to Manchester. It’s unknown if the former goalie is eager to return to Old Trafford, but Danny Blind may take his spot at Ajax if he does.
Between 2005 and 2011, Van der Sar made 266 appearances for Manchester United before retiring. Before returning to the Netherlands, he assisted the team in winning three League Cups, the Champions League, and four Premier League championships.
Van der Sar began working as Ajax’s marketing manager until being elevated to chief executive in 2016. Ajax has won the last three Eredivisie championships under his direction, marking a prosperous time in the club’s history.
Van der Sar said the following in reference to United’s interest in May 2021: “How does Manchester United define the type of CEO they want? I’m not your average CEO, though “For the football side of things, I am more of a CEO. Ajax has a lot of structure. Manchester United is really unique, and you also have to collaborate with a number of owners there.
Edwin Van Sar is among the Manchester legends and having him at Old Trafford is no big surprise since the club is known for absorbing its legends for different roles.