Man United imminent appointment ‘could come back to bite them’ as ex-CEO ‘very surprised’ by plan
Former Everton chief Keith Wyness has claimed he is “surprised” to see Man United push to appoint an in-house football finance manager.
Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – claimed the appointment could “come back to bite them” if they are to breach any financial rules in future.
Football Insider revealed last week (21 March) that Man United have stepped up their search for a new football finance manager.
Sources say United are pushing to make an appointment quickly before the summer transfer window.
The Red Devils have been close to the limit of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) in recent seasons and have had to carefully monitor their spending as a result.
Wyness ‘very surprised’ by Man United appointment plan
They were one of many top-flight sides who didn’t make a signing in the January window.
Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “I’m very surprised.
“From my experience, my financial director and sporting director should be able to get together and give me recommendations on where we are.
“I did bring in a specialist once to advise on where we stood, but it becoming a full-time position does surprise me.
“But we’re seeing points deductions, and we know what points mean to clubs. The impact goes way beyond the table.
“For a public company like Man United, I understand they need a specialist. I’m just surprised it’s a full-time, in-house position.
“I thought they may outsource it to a consultant, but it’s showing how much focus is being placed on this.
“However, if they do appoint someone and still breach the rules – they’ve got little legs to stand on.
“The internal politics this person will have will be pretty important, but it could come back to bite them.”
In other news, Man United ready to accept offer for 32-year-old.
For more Man United and exclusive news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.