United have been in decline since Ferguson’s retirement in 2013, which got here within the speedy aftermath of the membership’s newest top-flight trophy. The 81-year-old, who's now a director on the membership, may now have a major say on how Ratcliffe will overhaul the stricken English giants.

Candidate Freedman was beforehand a neighbour of Ferguson’s earlier than taking his job at Palace, the place he had beforehand been a profitable participant and briefly managed the membership. The former Scotland striker impressed Ferguson throughout a chat at Old Trafford after Palace defeated United within the League Cup in 2011.

However, Ratcliffe will take time to pick a brand new sporting director, with the legendary former defender Maldini on his checklist. Englishman Congerton, at present at Atalanta, has had success at Sunderland, Celtic and Leicester.