Former Liverpool sporting director Julian Ward among contenders for similar role at Manchester United
Julian Ward (right) during his time with Liverpool
Julian Ward in action for Larne during his Irish League career
Former Irish League player Julian Ward has emerged as one of the candidates for the role of sporting director at Manchester United.
United look set to overhaul their football operation after Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased 25 percent of the club for £1.2bn.
The 42-year-old shocked Liverpool last year by announcing he would be stepping down from his role as sporting director at the end of last season.
Ward, who previously played for H&W Welders, Larne and Lisburn Distillery, has been considered for the United post along with a number of other experienced directors of football.
He spent 11 years at Liverpool, initially joining as their European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal. Ward’s decision to leave Anfield shocked the club, having overseen the signings of Luis Diaz and Darwin Nunez.
He turned down an offer to become director of football at Ajax last summer and has been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League side Al Ittihad.
Dan Ashworth, currently at Newcastle United, is another strong contender to move to Old Trafford. The 52-year-old was handed the role at St James’ Park after spells as the FA’s director of elite development and Brighton’s technical director.
Read on belfasttelegraph.co.uk
