Ferdinand Would Be Open To Manchester United Return

Former Manchester United captain Rio Ferdinand has refused to rule out the prospect of returning to the club in a technical role. Reports over recent weeks have suggested the 40-year-old is on a list of former Old Trafford stars being lined up to come in as part of a shake-up of the club’s hierarchy.

Manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer faces a major restructuring job this summer after the club finished sixth in the Premier League last season. The introduction of a technical director to work alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward has been mooted for some time, but an appointment has yet to be made.

Ferdinand, who joined United in 2002 to become what was then the most expensive defender in world football, won six Premier League titles and the Champions League during his 12 years at the club. And he revealed a return in a senior off-field role could be of interest.

“It all depends on the shape of the job,” he said when asked if he fancied returning to the club. “I don’t think it’s all been outlined at Man United in terms of – that’s the job and this is the description. I think there’s a lot to talk about within that. “To be fair to Man United in that kind of role, the responsibility that comes with that, you can’t lie and say that that’s not a turn-on.

“Because you are helping to shape the fortunes of a club of that stature. That’s a huge job. “All the boxes would have to be ticked that you’re got in in your head before considering something like that. “I think decisions made at a football club – not all, (but) some of them should come with a football thought process in the background somewhere, (someone) that understands that side of it and can make that kind of decision.”