Manchester United were targeting Michael Edwards as a potential sporting director for the club, but now has been appointed as the new CEO of Liverpool.
The Independent reported in November of 2023 that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was keen on securing Edwards’ services for a role at Old Trafford. This came after rumours started when he was spotted at the iconic stadium watching a game in September.
Edwards was without a footballing role at the time but was formerly of bitter rivals, Liverpool. He joined the Merseysiders in 2011 under FSG and became sporting director in 2016 before leaving the club in the summer of 2022.
He was integral to the Liverpool revival under Jurgen Klopp, overseeing arguably the most successful period in the club’s history. Now, two years on, he’s back at Anfield – meaning he’s not a candidate for Manchester United anymore.
Michael Edwards appointed Liverpool CEO
The Athletic’s David Ornstein reports that Michael Edwards has been appointed to a senior role with Fenway Sports Group, which includes the former Liverpool executive taking oversight of the club’s football operations, with Richard Hughes set to join the club with him as sporting director.
He apparently initially turned down the opportunity, but Liverpool continued their pursuit and got their man. He’ll assume the role as of June 1st 2024.
Edwards declined a number of offers to return to football following his exit from Liverpool in 2022, including the Red Devils.
Michael Edwards turned down Manchester United
Ornstein also confirmed that Edwards rejected the chance to join Manchester United and Chelsea before agreeing to come back to Anfield.
Manchester United have looked elsewhere since, with Dan Ashworth hopefully the man to come and take over things as sporting director instead.
He’s been responsible at other Premier League clubs for identifying some of the finest talents in the world of football and bringing them to England. He is a more than capable candidate, who can definitely be the man to lead Manchester United into a new era.
Edwards is definitely of a similar calibre and, unfortunately, Ratcliffe missed out on him. However, Ashworth is definitely not a downgrade.
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