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Football

12th Jun 2019

Ed Woodward set to remain in charge of Man Utd transfers

Simon Lloyd

Woodward was expected to appoint a technical director

Ed Woodward looks set to remain in charge of Manchester United’s transfer dealings for the foreseeable future, reports have claimed.

As part of a shake-up of the club’s staffing structure, Woodward was expected to appoint a technical director this summer who would help the process of identifying and signing new players to run more smoothly.

Despite this, the executive vice-chairman has yet to decide on a preferred candidate for the role and will continue to oversee United’s transfer business himself.

It’s been widely reported that United are planning a squad overhaul this summer following the disappointing end to last season, in which they missed out on Champions League qualification.

They have agreed a deal in principle to sign Swansea’s Welsh international Daniel James, a transfer which the Mail report was negotiated by Matt Judge, United’s head of corporate affairs, with Woodward signing off on terms.

These two men have been responsible for United’s transfer dealings in the last few windows, recently attracting criticism from former boss Louis van Gaal, who pointed out that the pair did not always get him the players he wanted during his spell at Old Trafford.

Despite Woodward remaining in charge of transfers, manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and his assistant Mike Phelan will continue to play an active role in deciding transfer targets.

Following a deal for James, United are said to be preparing a second bid for Crystal Palace’s Aaron Wan-Bissaka, after their initial offer was immediately rejected.

A move for a central defender has also been reported, with fresh speculation linking them with a big money move for Leicester’s Harry Maguire.