Man United make approach for Van der Sar at Ajax for director of football role at Old Trafford

Reports have claimed that Man United have approached Ajax over Edwin van der Sar, in a bid to lure him away to Old Trafford.

The former Man United goalkeeper has been working behind the scenes at Ajax since 2012, when he originally became their marketing director. In 2015 he was promoted to the role of CEO and has overseen great success with the club.

Man United have dipped into the Eredivisie on several occasions as of late. Manager Erik ten Hag was poached from Ajax as well as Lisandro Martinez and Antony.

Ajax have a reputation of one of the best ran clubs in Europe and United are keen to get Van der Sar on board.

A report from Dutch outlet Voetbal Primeur has claimed that Man United have already made an approach for Van der Sar.

The report explains: ‘The club of manager Erik ten Hag is said to have even contacted Van der Sar last week.

‘It is not the first time that Manchester United have knocked on the door for the services of the general manager.

‘Two years ago, the club also informed, but then Van der Sar indicated that he did not want to leave Ajax yet.’

Given the new direction United seem to be heading in, Van der Sar would perhaps be more open to a move this time.

The report does however go on to explain that it would be ‘difficult’ to land Van der Sar as he recently extended his contract with Ajax.

The 51-year-old has a contract with the Dutch side until the summer of 2025. Ajax currently find themselves top of the Eredivisie after 10 matches.

The Dutch side signed eight new players in the summer transfer window and also appointed a new manager.

Given Van der Sar’s established relationship with Ten Hag, he could be tempted by the Man United rebuild.

Ten Hag has Man United heading in the right direction as they produced their best performance of the season against Spurs in midweek.

Cristiano Ronaldo’s antics have stolen most of the headlines recently, but Ten Hag’s work shouldn’t go unnoticed.

Next up for Man United is a trip to Stamford Bridge this weekend to take on Chelsea. A win for United would see them leapfrog Chelsea and move into the top four for the first time under Ten Hag.

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