4 notable names who could become director of football at Manchester United

Manchester United has had some much-publicised issues lately, a strange thing to witness as a neutral fan I must confess.

But despite their win vs. Newcastle on Saturday, they still need change. It cannot paper over cracks since evident deficiencies still remain. The issue isn’t really Mourinho or his supposed fights with players.

There is a reason why Apple does well with its iPhones. The late Jobs, and now Cook, both provided the vision for this, and what the iPhone should be and how it should better people’s lives.It stems ultimately from the top, as it does in any club or organisation.

Should Ed Woodward go? Who knows? But there is an apparent lack of footballing knowledge in the higher end/upper management level at Manchester United.

Yes, Sir Bobby and Sir Alex are board members. But Sir Bobby and Sir Alex are both elderly, and Sir Alex recently had serious health issues, of which he is now thankfully recovering from. Neither is the long-term, or possibly immediate option for this.

So who can come in? And how do other clubs do it, is there a template here United could emulate? The other top six have, or have had in recent times, senior execs who are skilled in football operations:

- Arsenal – Raul Sanllehi

- Liverpool – Peter Moore

- Tottenham – Daniel Levy

- Chelsea – Michael Emanalo (until 2016), Marina Granovskaia

- Man City – Brian Marwood

Real Madrid, looking further afield, have a dedicated President in Florentino Perez, elected by the club’s members. Karl Heinz Rummenige is a Bayern Munich legend, who has senior executive status at the club. Moreover, AC Milan legends Leonardo and Paolo Maldini have senior posts at their club.

So could United do something similar? Why not? It’s clear that a change is required, and new blood and experience is needed at the highest level. Any successful club needs a strategy and a focus, and for results on the pitch to improve, the club requires significant modification.

These are some of the notable names who could figure as directors of football, or people who could provide defined footballing knowledge to the United board and manager:

GARY NEVILLE

His Premier League knowledge could be invaluable

Neville is a United legend without doubt, and he is a well-respected pundit on Sky Sports, in part due to his articulate communication of on-field events.

This communication is vital in this role since it requires liaising with many different bodies – from the manager, coaches, board, agents, media, fans, etc.

As a United legend, he would command respect from the fans and players and could provide even his negative experiences as Valencia manager in helping the manager and coaching staff.

He may not want another management role, who knows? But as a strong communicator, he could be a viable choice as footballing director.

ERIC CANTONA

An unparalleled United great to lead the club

Cantona is another United legend, and whilst never favouring being a coach or manager, he could function well in a more executive role.

His legendary status would certainly endear him to the fans. And being bilingual could help negotiations overseas, and especially in his native France.

He also would have the charisma to lead, as a footballing director, and would motivate the manager, staff, and players, to succeed.

MARK HUGHES

A Premier League veteran

Another legend here – without question.

But then he brings managerial experience to the fore. “Sparky Mark” could also draw on international management experience, with his native Wales, and many years in the Premier League. He is another articulate figure, who is well-respected by media, fans, and many others in the game.

ZINEDINE ZIDANE

Zidane has been touted as the club's new manager, to replace the beleaguered Mourinho.

However, could he feature as the footballing director?

He has experience as a stellar player, and manager, and holds the charisma to unite the fans, and bring contacts and extend relations to various players, coaches, managers, and administrators.

There would be many managers, even those more experienced and successful, who would give much to work with Zidane. His status alone as an all-time great player would inspire fans, players, coaches, and all connected to the club alike.

FANCIFUL?

Some of these choices may seem fanciful. But it's clear that the club needs renewal, especially in its top management. My rationale here is to specify people who can unite the club, provide some hope, and gain some direction, which at this point is badly lacking.

Since Sir Alex retired, the club has lacked a major footballing presence at the top of the club. As at when Sir Alex was appointed, managers often directed all footballing aspects, ranging from coaching players, contracts, the media, medical matters, and recruitment.

This model has changed in English football somewhat, with managers now (as Mourinho alluded to) being just head coaches as opposed to managing all footballing operations. Unai Emery at Arsenal has the official title of head coach and not manager like his immediate predecessor Arsene Wenger.

Some United fans have said that merely removing Mourinho is simplistic. I agree with Stephen Howson, in that the issue transcends any tactical/player issues that Mourinho may hold. A successful organisation must have all pieces and structures aligned, but if not, it won't succeed.

The win vs. the Toons was welcome, but more needs to be done for effectual progression. Until then, it may be some time that they win the league again, and City, Liverpool, Chelsea, and even Arsenal or Tottenham, could triumph in this regard before they do.

Identifying a person who can head the football operation holistically, and cover the gaps left after Sir Alex's retirement, would go a long way to restoring United to the top.