United expected to announce new technical director

Cape Town - Manchester United are reportedly on the verge on appointing their first-ever technical director, with a number of the club's former players linked with the role.

The Red Devils continue to discuss the possibility of appointing a transfer guru to help take some of the pressure off new boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, when it comes to identifying and recruiting players who can thrive on the Old Trafford stage.

Executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward met with Solskjaer on Monday at their Carrington training base to update the Norwegian on how things are progressing.

Former players Darren Fletcher, Paul Scholes and Rio Ferdinand are all believed to have been sounded out, although it's still not clear if they would be handed the sole responsibility.

Assistant boss Mike Phelan remains a front-runner but there is a feeling in the corridors of power he could be stretched 'too thin' if he were also to remain by Solskjaer's side on a daily basis.

United have seen how successful Txiki Begiristain has been in his role as the director of football across the road at Manchester City, usurping them in the quest for global talents and silverware.

Begiristain earns around £750,000 per annum at the Etihad but United bosses are prepared to pay around double that figure if it secures them their primary choice.