Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has insisted that Dougie Freedman is not in talks with Manchester United over their vacant sporting director post.
Man Utd are currently undergoing a huge upheaval at boardroom level, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS set to purchase a minority 25% stake in the club.
A new CEO is expected to be recruited, with INEOS chief Jean-Claude Blanc under consideration, while a sporting director is also understood to be high on Ratcliffe’s wishlist.
90min understands that former Southampton and Tottenham recruitment guru Paul Mitchell is among the names on United’s shortlist, while reports elsewhere have named Palace’s Freedman as a potential candidate.
A former Scotland international, Freedman took the reins at Selhurst Park in 2017 and has done a fantastic job improving the Palace squad ever since. His most notable successes in recent times have undoubtedly been the signings of England internationals Eberechi Eze and Marc Guehi, and France starlet Michael Olise – all of whom have played a huge part in making Palace a solid mid-table side in the Premier League.
Speaking on The Rest is Football podcast, the club’s chairman Parish was questioned about the rumours linking Freedman to the Man Utd job.
“You would have to get into the minds of those people [Manchester United decision makers] wouldn’t you?” he said. “I certainly don’t think there’s been any conversations. It’s flattering for the club.
“You guys live in the world where 50% of the stories in the media are true. 50% are not. We just don’t know which ones yet.
“[He’s been] really important. He’s a brilliant guy. He was the second manager I had at the club. He was instrumental in us getting promoted.
“He’s been instrumental, he saved the club [as a player] when we were about to get relegated from the Championship with a last-minute goal at Stockport. He got us promoted while playing for Wolves. He’s got a real affinity to the club and works really hard. We have signed some really good players and most importantly – the transfer window which is probably the hardest part of the job – it’s fun being involved in it with him.
“The fact he’s being linked with clubs like that show he’s doing the right thing.”
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