Manchester United’s ongoing search for a sporting director is a continuing source of debate at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are one of just three Premier League sides yet to appoint someone into a post that has been successful at other clubs in the division.
Liverpool’s Michael Edwards is a shining example, who has done a remarkable job handling the transfers for the league leaders.
A number of high-profile names have been linked with a similar position at United.
Club legends Edwin van der Sar and Rio Ferdinand are among those previously touted, but the Athletic have a theory as to why the club are yet to bring someone in.
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Journalist Daniel Taylor reports that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and assistant manager Mike Phelan are already involved with duties that a sporting director would undertake.
The management pair have been building a structured link between the academy and first-team set-up ever since Solskjaer was appointed into the role in December last year.
United have tasked the pair with planning ahead with three-year cycles, something Sir Alex Ferguson was exceptional at during his time as boss.
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Over 14 months has passed since United first begun their search, with the club still intending to draft the right candidate in, with Solskjaer and Phelan sharing some of the responsibilities in the meantime.
However United are keen to appoint someone that works as part of their current set-up, not just a lone maverick; as club chiefs feel the system they already have in place is the one that works best for them.
United use a transfer committee, made up of several senior members of staff, rather than giving the manager complete control of new acquisitions.
A number of expensive mistakes have been learned from, with Bastian Schweinsteiger and Alexis Sanchez the prime examples.
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That said, Solskjaer will still have the final say in who comes in, with the system designed to allow the Norwegian to be included at the start and end of the transfer process.
United’s summer transfer business is indicative of that, with Solskjaer giving the green light to sign Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Daniel James and Harry Maguire.
The move to sign Wan-Bissaka in particular stemmed from Solskjaer stating the urgency for a new right-back, before outlining the key attributes necessary.
A 50-strong shortlist is then reduced to three candidates, with detailed scout reports helping Solskjaer to make his decision before the money-men such as head of corporate development, Matt Judge, step in to handle the negotiations.
