Manchester United are understood to be closing in on a appointing a sporting director at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have never had a sporting director, with current footballing chief Ed Woodward – vice-chairman – set to hand over squad matters to a new appointment.

And it is understood that former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar is line to take over.

Van der Sar has been with Ajax’s hierarchy since 2012, and was promoted to CEO in 2016 and he has impressed hugely – helping the Dutch giants build one of the most highly regarded squads in world football.

Now United are understood to be looking at bringing van der Sar back to Manchester and he is firm favourite at 11/10 to land the role.

Gary Neville, 4/1, and Rio Ferdinand, 5/1, could step out of the pundit’s chair and into the hotseat as United’s first ever Director of Football after their recent comments on the running of the club.

Alongside Neville and other members of the Class of ’92, Paul Scholes has experience behind the scenes at Salford City and is available at 7/1, with the likes of Patrice Evra outsiders at 12/1.

Betway’s Alan Alger said: “Rumours that Manchester United will look to create a Director of Football role to help support Ole Gunnar Solksjaer’s squad overhaul have been rife for months, with a host of former Old Trafford stars reportedly in the hunt.

“Current Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar is the early favourite after helping bring through a new crop of young players and reaching the Champions League semi-finals during his time in Amsterdam.

“Gary Neville has made his thoughts on how United should be run abundantly clear in recent months, and we have him as second favourite to land the job at 4/1.”