The latest individual to be linked to an executive position at Manchester United is Paolo Maldini, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe approaches with his minority stake to acquire sporting control of the club.

According to reports, the British billionaire will complete the purchase of a 25 percent stake in United later this month. Upon the Premier League’s approval of the transaction, he could assume control of the sporting operation in the coming weeks.

United recently announced that Richard Arnold, their chief executive officer, is resigning; in his place, legal counsel Patrick Stewart will serve as interim leader. Jean-Claude Blanc, a former executive at Paris Saint-Germain and Juventus, is rumored to be the leading candidate to succeed Arnold permanently in the coming year.

The director of football position held by John Murtough is in jeopardy as Ratcliffe prepares to oversee additional changes at the club’s highest level. Despite United’s substantial investments in the playing squad, the team has failed to make any progress towards challenging Manchester City.

As a result, several candidates for that position have been associated with a transfer to Old Trafford.

The Telegraph reported on November 16 that Paolo Maldini was among a number of candidates for the position of sporting director at Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, according to the newspaper, will consult with former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson regarding the most suitable candidate for the position. It is anticipated that United’s current Football Director, John Murtough, will resign.

Frederic Massara, who was Milan’s director of football with Maldini, could potentially follow him to Manchester United.

Maldini is widely recognized for his exceptional career during his time with AC Milan. He is widely acknowledged as one of the preeminent defenders in the annals of history.

Following the conclusion of twenty-five seasons in Serie A, he amassed an impressive seven league championships, five European Cups/UEFA Champions Leagues, and a number of individual honors. His distinguished career came to an end in 2009, at the age of 41, when he made the decision to retire.

Ten years after his retirement, Maldini was appointed technical director of the Italian giants and was largely credited with assembling the club’s first-ever Serie A champion young squad in 2021/22.

Nevertheless, he was abruptly terminated from his position. Gerry Cardinale, the club’s owner, reportedly informed Maldini in a boardroom meeting that his services were no longer required due to the implementation of a new recruitment strategy.