Ex-Liverpool man now becoming Brailsford’s top target for big Man Utd job

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Julian Ward is emerging as a top target for Manchester United as Sir Dave Brailsford eyes up a move for the former Liverpool man.

A new era is awaiting Manchester United in 2024 after Sir Jim Ratcliffe confirmed his investment in the club on Christmas Eve.

Ratcliffe and Ineos have purchased a 25% stake in United and will now seize control of football operations.

A full-scale review of United’s off-field operations will take place in the coming months and we can expect to see a host of appointments.

United’s recruitment department needs an overhaul and a sporting director is expected to be secured in the coming weeks or months.

Manchester United interested in Julian Ward

The Independent now claim that a prime contender for that job is ex-Liverpool man Julian Ward.

Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth continues to be targeted, but it’s unclear whether he can be lured at away from St James’ Park.

It’s now stated that the ‘main choice’ for Sir Dave Brailsford is now Ward, who is interested in making the move to Old Trafford.

Brailsford won’t be able to make the decision his own but Ward is now a real candidate for the sporting director position at United.

Former Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell is still in the mix too and is now based back in Manchester after his time at Monaco and RB Leipzig.

Who is United target Ward?

Ward featured in non-league football in his playing days, turning out for Morecambe, Hyde United and Kidsgrove Athletic whilst also taking on an analyst role in the England Under-20 setup.

Ward headed to Northern Ireland with Larne and Lisburn before joining the Portuguese national team as an analyst under former United coach Carlos Queiroz.

Queiroz took a recommendation on Ward and then worked together during the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Manchester City pounced for Ward in 2010, landing him as a scout before he moved on to Liverpool just two years later.

Ward moved up through the Liverpool ranks, becoming loan manager and technical director before replacing Michael Edwards as sporting director in 2022.

Ward curiously only stayed for a year before leaving Liverpool, meaning only a handful of signings – including Darwin Nunez and Cody Gakpo – came during his stint.

Ward has been out of football since last summer but may now have a chance to join a third Premier League club with United’s interest seemingly mounting.