Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner remains confident that sporting director Dougie Freedman will stay at the club despite interest from Premier League giants Manchester United.
Then again, there was a similar feeling of confidence when the Red Devils came knocking on Newcastle’s door for Dan Ashworth a few weeks ago. And we all know how that turned out, Ashworth placed on gardening leave and seemingly destined to end up playing a key role in Ineos’ Old Trafford rebuild.
Ashworth is likely to take on an overarching role, with an umbrella-like influence covering many aspects of the football club. Manchester United’s parallel pursuit of Dougie Freedman, meanwhile, highlights Ineos’ desire to bring in a bonafide recruitment specialist to work alongside Ashworth, Omar Berrada and co.
Manchester United eye Crystal Palace director Dougie Freedman
Freedman, one of the most respected talentspotters in English football, appears to be one of Ineos’ leading targets alongside ex-Liverpool chief Julian Ward. The 49-year-old Glaswegian is extremely well respected at Selhurst Park after bringing in the likes of Ebere Eze, Marc Guehi and Michael Olise, using his vast knowledge of EFL football to very good use.
And unsurprisingly, given he is only a few weeks into the Palace job, Oliver Glasner is keen to avoid losing such a vital member of his support network.
“(Manchester United’s interest) shows me what I was thinking. (It proves that) here, there is a great sporting director and a great person. This is how I see Dougie after two weeks and a lot of talks with him,” Glasner tells Sky Sports.
“He knows all the players all over the world. He’s a fantastic guy. He is a great person and a sporting director. If there are these rumours, it shows other clubs see it in the same way.”
Glasner, who guided Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, believes that Freedman will still be in situ at Selhurst Park next term, insisting that the duo will hold talks regarding their summer plans in the coming days.
That confidence could erode pretty quickly, however, if Man United step up their pursuit of a man former Palace chief Simon Jordan feels could be an inspired addition to Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new-look backroom staff.
Freedman brought in Olise, Eze and Guehi
“I don’t know if (the rumours are) true or not,” Glasner adds. “We didn’t speak about the squad for next year – I want to get to know the players who are here. There are injured players I have never seen in a training session.
“We will start (planning next season’s squad) next week. The feeling that I have is we will plan the squad for next year together and we will work together for a long time.”
Erik ten Hag’s Man United host Everton on Saturday in need of a win after successive Premier League defeats.
from United In Focus https://ift.tt/PBF3DmE