Rio Ferdinand has emerged as a surprise candidate to become technical director at Manchester United, according to The Guardian's Jamie Jackson.
The Red Devils' executive vice-chairman, Ed Woodward, has created the post after coming under fire for some questionable transfer business in recent times. Mike Phelan, who is currently assisting first-team manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has also been linked to the job, but Jackson questions the veracity of that report.
Ferdinand has reportedly impressed Woodward with his football knowledge in conversations and during a recent meeting. The retired defender collected six Premier League titles, two League Cups, and hoisted the Champions League trophy in 2008 with United. He's also a former teammate of Solskjaer.
Since finishing his playing career with Queens Park Rangers in 2014, Ferdinand has worked as a pundit for BT Sport and even flirted with a career in boxing. He is still a keen supporter of Manchester United.
Assuming the responsibility of overseeing the senior side's long-term strategy would mark his first administrative role in the game.
