06 March 2024 , 23:59
1016
0
Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan believes Manchester United are interested in landing Eagles sporting director Dougie Freedman and that he would be a good fit at Old Trafford.
The 13-time Premier League champions appear to be overhauling their set-up following Sir Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of 27.7 per cent of the club. Already the Red Devils are hoping to add Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on gardening leave by the Magpies, as technical director.
United have been much-criticised for their recent failures in the transfer market and hope to rectify that with the added influence of INEOS and best-in-class appointments. Freedman appears to have been identified as a candidate for a head of recruitment role.
TalkSPORT contributor Jordan was Palace owner during Freedman's second stint at Selhurt Park as a player. The outspoken co-host believes Freedman has the talents to thrive at Old Trafford and his ability has been present even in difficult moments, such as his time managing Crystal Palace.
Jordan said on talkSPORT: “I can see him at Man United, and I am pretty sure they are interested. Dougie is a good thinker, a good spotter of talent, and a good negotiator.
Marcel Sabitzer completes Man Utd transfer after last-minute deadline day dash
“I have known Dougie at 25 years now, and he’s someone that I’m very fond of. He is capable in the position he is in.”
He added: “The players who got [Crystal Palace] promotion were his team. Players he recruited like Yannick Bolasie and Mile Jedinak
“I think the space he’s in now – where he can think clearly and make decisions based on recruitment – is a great space for Dougie. I wouldn’t be surprised (to see him at United). It’s a good fit and could be distinctly likely to happen.”
Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is being lined up by Manchester United (Getty Images)Jordan believes it could be an astute move from Ratcliffe to land Palace's transfer chief. Recent transfer successes could prove appealing to the new United hierarchy.
He said: “I think they are building. People will look and think; ‘Dougie to United?’. But you could say the same about Dan Ashworth.
“Players Palace have recruited, such as Eze and players like that, are players Dougie signed. He works well in teams and he is a very clever operator. He is not controversial and doesn’t get in people’s faces.
“He’s got plenty of steel, don’t worry about that. I think, if he gets the opportunity, he is well worthy of it.”