Rio Ferdinand asked former Manchester United chief executive David Gill if he was surprised that one club legend didn’t return to Old Trafford in a key role.
David Gill was appointed chief executive at Manchester United in 2003 after Peter Kenyon’s departure to Chelsea and was an influential figure at Old Trafford.
The former United chief executive was Sir Alex Ferguson’s right-hand man during the legendary ex-Red Devils boss’ managerial career at Old Trafford.
Gill would play an important role in transfers at the Premier League club, with the former FIFA vice-president revealing his two favourite signings at United.
The UEFA vice-president and treasurer stepped down from his role at United in 2013 at the same time as Ferguson bowed out of the Red Devils.
Rio Ferdinand holds Gill in high regard and previously explained why he refuses to call the former United chief executive by his first name.
Ferdinand quizzes Gill on United legend
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand Presents FIVE, David Gill shared his two cents on Ineos after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his minority stake purchase in Manchester United.
The UEFA vice-president also opened up on United’s five best signings during his time at the Premier League club and an admission Sir Alex Ferguson made to him.
During the rare sitdown interview, Rio Ferdinand asked Gill for his thoughts on former United teammate Edwin van der Sar.
Van der Sar was heavily linked with a return to Old Trafford after his playing career, with the United legend tipped as a future director of football or CEO at the club.
The 53-year-old Dutchman was an influential figure at Ajax and was hailed for his impact on the club in his previous role as chief executive.
Van der Sar resigned from his post at Ajax in 2023, having previously worked with United manager Erik ten Hag at the club.
Rio Ferdinand told Gill that he thought Van der Sar would return to United as CEO and asked the former United chief executive if he felt the same way.
Responding to Ferdinand, Gill said: “I don’t know about that, yeah, I think he had that presence and [thing] like that, yeah.”
Van der Sar’s previous stance on United
Van der Sar experienced a health scare in 2023 and was treated in intensive care after he suffered a bleed on his brain.
The United legend has since appeared at Old Trafford after he recovered from his brain haemorrhage and watched the club’s 3-2 comeback win over Aston Villa last December.
Despite his impact at the Red Devils, Van der Sar previously played down a sensational return to Old Trafford when he was chief executive at Ajax.
“It’s never been that close,” he told The Times in 2022.
“I have a good relationship with the board and I had a fantastic six years in Manchester, but I’m not finished here yet.”
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