If there is one thing that has been made clear this season at Manchester United, it is that there are major changes needed at the club.
The first one came in the appointment of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The Norwegian was given the job after a strong start to his reign while still interim boss, although results have taken a serious dip since he was given the job on a permanent basis.
You would expect some major turnover in playing personnel over the summer, and United are also looking to recruit a director of footballer for the first time. It is hoped that having such a figure would provide the club with the direction and continuity it has been lacking since the end of the Alex Ferguson era.
While most would assume United will look for an experienced person to undertake the role, it seems they are planning to go in a different direction. After appointing Solskjaer in order to bring back the glory days, they want to knock the nostalgia up another notch by recruiting a former player for the role, regardless of their relevant experience.
Rio Ferdinand and Darren Fletcher have been linked, but another former player threw his hat into the ring today. Writing in his blog for Betfair, Dimitar Berbatov claimed he would be a better fit for the role than the other aforementioned candidates.
After Rio Ferdinand last week, Darren Fletcher is the latest name linked with the Director of Football role but why not Dimitar Berbatov? I have the degree in Sports Management (as well as coaching badges) for starters.
This is an important position, you are the link between the manager and the team and directors. United have to find someone who can do this the right way.
I know about the job, how it is performed and it's on my mind but you need to be ready for this...
You can't expect to be given this role purely because you are an ex-player and United will make a mistake if they recruit solely on that basis.
Berbatov's last point is a very important one here. Hiring somebody who 'knows the club' is all well and good, but this is a position that requires a track record of proven success.
Ed Woodward seems convinced that bringing personalities back from the Fergie era will ensure a return to past successes, but football does not work that way. If he continues to pursue this avenue, the club will continue to go nowhere fast.
But hey, if he is going to give it to a former player with no experience, at least Berbatov would be a bit of craic.
