Man United news: Sir Alex Ferguson pushing for Dougie Freedman deal as contact made – sources

Sir Alex Ferguson is pushing strongly for Man United to appoint Dougie Freedman as their new head of recruitment, sources have told Football Insider.

It is believed that the United legend is a huge admirer of the current Crystal Palace sporting director.

United have made an approach to Freedman, who used to be neighbours with Ferguson, to become a recruitment chief working under a new regime heading by Dan Ashworth, who has an agreement in principle to be the new sporting director.

Ashworth is currently on gardening leave after quitting Newcastle United to move to Old Trafford and is set to be in overall charge of transfer activity at the club.

Sir Alex Ferguson wants Dougie Freedman at Man United

He has agreed terms to move to the Premier League giants but both United and the Magpies remain in talks to sort a compensation fee to end his gardening leave.

Freedman, 49, has impressed at Selhurst Park since returning after spells as a player and a manager to become their sporting director in 2017.

He was responsible for signing Palace’s biggest stars including Michael Olise, Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi – all of whom are expected to fetch huge fees and make the club significant profit should they be sold.

The Red Devils are in the midst of facilitating major backroom changes at the club under new investor Sir Jim Ratcliffe following their move for Ashworth and the appointment of new chief executive Omar Berrada from Man City.

Man United

Man United returned to winning ways in their 2-0 victory against Everton on Saturday afternoon (9 March).

They are next in action against Liverpool at Old Trafford in the FA Cup quarter-finals on Sunday (17 March).

In other news, Kieran Maguire: Liverpool set to match Man United as £15m summer deal agreed.

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