Man Utd set to appoint Director of Football (when hell freezes over)

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Siddharth said:
Because at that point of time, Mourinho was fluttering his eyelashes at PSG and I think (just my guess) Woodward panicked. And, at that point in time, I felt and many others too that we had made progress and Mourinho had steadied the boat, and sustained period of stability will only be good for the club. Looking back, I guess, Mourinho and his freaking agent played a blinder.
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He was given a contract midway through last season. Why not atleast wait and see how it finished ? You would expect the Cheif Executive of Manchester United to be not gullible enough to act upon stories and rumours and make decisions based on facts and merit.

Also once he decided to renew, what was the point of denying Jose, his targets. Lets say he wanted Perisic, Willian and Alderweireld, which would have probably cost us around 150 to 200 million £. I'm not saying thats a great deal. Yes, those players might be on the wrong side considering the age. But once you stick with Jose, a man proven to win you things as long as you get him expensive toys that he wants, you buy him those things.Ed chose not to, now we have wasted another season.You either sack your manager or back him with what he wants.
 
Christie said:
The problem is that the fans keep demanding that the managers be replaced as if that will stem the bleed, but Woodward is never replaced. After 3 managers, I think it's time we tried to replace something else instead.



You mean the General Manager that is Ed Woodward? Because we do not have a Football manager, only a Head Coach.

The failures of the signing can be attributed to the guy wanting to sign big names only or skimp out on bargain players hoping to unearth a gem. The Zidane Y Pavons approach which has been an utter failure.
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No replacing just the manager won’t help unless Woodward makes the right appointment which will be by luck more than judgement. Something has to change in terms of a DOF or Sporting Director etc.

Why would we stick with Mourinho though whether that change is made or not?. He is effectively holding his hands up and saying we have to buy him much better players and spend a fortune or he can’t do anything.

That’s his plan and would the club ever spend the money required for that?. Has anyone ever bought 4-5 players who all come straight into the team and are a success?.

Turning this round will take time, money and developing tactics and patterns of play that work in modern football. I dont think Mourinho is doing a good job or fits the criteria of what we need the manager to do. Keeping him because he wins trophies quickly isn’t really applicable now.
 
Kapardin said:
The gasbag is literally repeating the same shite he said last time, seems like it's a rehearsed speech.

Except for the "mixed results" part. GD of minus 1, "mixed" is saying it lightly.
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He sounds more like a politician that tries saying the "right things" rather than a proper football man.
 
Reddy Rederson said:
Public pressure. Fly plane, start a #woodyout, match going fans chant at the top of their lungs for 90 minutes "woodyout", stuff like that. Things like that could have an impact on stocks and if woody is seen as being detrimental to profits, he'll be moved on.
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Although Mourinho divides us fans at least with Woodward we're all on the same page :lol:
 
Think Woodward needs a spokesperson to make the financial announcements/updates as every quarter is going to be the same with fans getting irritated over routine investor/shareholder updates. The same thing will happen for the Q2 announcements.

Perhaps it's a bit tone deaf but the announcements are a part of having investors
 
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the chameleon said:
Although Mourinho divides us fans at least with Woodward we're all on the same page :lol:
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:lol: I wish that was true. Some of the Jose out peoples defend woody because they feel it takes away pressure to complain about Jose. Like taking about the players and the style of football isn’t enough, now Jose is in charge of scouting, making deals, setting wages, who cuts the grass... it’s bonkers the lengths some people will go to to justify themselves. :lol:
 
Given how the last few years have gone, why isn't there noise of Woodward out?

Many complain about our poor transfers in recent history and find issues with every manager since Ferguson. Why not point fingers at the guy in charge?

If JM is sacked then what's the point leaving Woodward in charge?
 
Bruce Wayne said:
Given how the last few years have gone, why isn't there noise of Woodward out?

Many complain about our poor transfers in recent history and find issues with every manager since Ferguson. Why not point fingers at the guy in charge?

If JM is sacked then what's the point leaving Woodward in charge?
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I don't think you can find a lot of fans here who'd disagree with you there mate. In fact - many of them would love to get rid of the current manager and swap the whole board out. I, for one, wouldn't trust Ed to walk my dog let alone make thoughtful football decisions regarding what's the best for this football club and how to keep our identity (or get it back).
 
DanClancy said:
Another issue I'd have with him is signing a 10 year deal with Adidas, the deal doesn't end until the 2024-25 seasons. I think already £70m a years looks like a good deal for Adidas, give it another 6 years and they'll be getting a huge bargain. United are way out in front of Barca & Real in terms of kit sales.
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These deals always get renegotiated before they end. Much like player contracts.

Adidas will be keen to get us to extend to a lengthy new deal long before this one finishes.
 
Bruce Wayne said:
Given how the last few years have gone, why isn't there noise of Woodward out?

Many complain about our poor transfers in recent history and find issues with every manager since Ferguson. Why not point fingers at the guy in charge?

If JM is sacked then what's the point leaving Woodward in charge?
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Because he has kept us financially (extremely) successful despite lack of success on the field, and has supported the managers with high spending in transfer market. Woodward isn't the issue, appointing the right manager is.
 
Pexbo said:
These deals always get renegotiated before they end. Much like player contracts.

Adidas will be keen to get us to extend to a lengthy new deal long before this one finishes.
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Thats incorrect, you're guessing.

The Adidas deal is at least 2 years too long.
 
Rory 7 said:
The key word in that piece is Control. I’ve said it from day one since Fergie retired; the Glazers wanted total control of their club. Until they allow football people, like Mourinho, to take proper charge we are going nowhere.
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Yeah I have been saying this for ages. New DoF or Technical director or whatever we are gonna call it is not gonna solve anything. He/she is just gonna take the blame for our failures without having any power whatsoever. Exactly what the Galazers and Ed want.
 
"Jose Mourinho is looking for a man he can trust as director of football but the word is the club won’t appoint one until the Portuguese has gone"

Lol. This much was obvious in the very first (Times or guardian) article that announced we were looking for a DoF. It spoke about the appointment being for the benefit of Jose's successors and also how it was to protect the club's youth and long term policies. We aren't going to hire someone to enable Jose and quite frankly...thank god
 
Greck said:
"Jose Mourinho is looking for a man he can trust as director of football but the word is the club won’t appoint one until the Portuguese has gone"

Lol. This much was obvious in the very first (Times or guardian) article that announced we were looking for a DoF. It spoke about the appointment being for the benefit of Jose's successors and also how it was to protect the club's youth and long term policies. We aren't going to hire someone to enable Jose and quite frankly...thank god
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Why is he still here then?
 
Greck said:
Your guess is as good as mine but I'm also fuming at their willingness to flush a season down the drain and keep a manager who has lost their backing
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Even when we don't plan for a season to be flushed down the toilet, we still end up flushed so the club better choose it's next move very carefully or we're doomed to become the new Liverpool for the next decade. There's only so long we can be in transition, it's been five years now.
 
Greck said:
Your guess is as good as mine but I'm also fuming at their willingness to flush a season down the drain and keep a manager who has lost their backing
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This. Absolutely ridiculous owners / board.

Just picture this...

Midway through last season:

Woodward - "So, Mourinho's doing alright, won 2 trophies last season, lets extend his contract for some reason"

Glazers - "Yes, go for it!"

*Finishes 2nd*

Mourinho - "So, we finished 2nd, lets invest in this team and push on to challenge next season"

Woodward - "Erm... yeah... I'll just run it past the guys"

Glazers - "Nah, don't wanna do that..."

Woodward - "So... shall we sack him?"

Glazers - "Erm... *checks payout clause on new contract given months ago* no don't sack him, just don't back him. Write the season off, let City or Liverpool have the PL, and direct the media toward him rather than us :)"

Mourinho - "But I need new players in these positions to compete with Citeh and Liverpool"

Woodward - "Yeah... we're not really bothered about that. See if you can scrape top 4 and we'll maybe let you stay another season :)"

Ludicrous morons to be running a football club.
 
It feels like there is a similarity to the Liebherr's at Southampton. The Father, the businessman, although still financially minded had an interest in sport and a basic level of understanding. The offspring have no interest and initial reaction was she wanted to sell as quick as possible. I feel like Malcolm had a basic interest in all sport and knew how a 'franchise' should be run, the sons love the money they've been left and continue to make, but don't understand football in the slightest (Probably helped that Malcolm had SAF and David Gill beneath him mind you).
 
Let me sort that for you.


Rhyme Animal said:
This. Absolutely ridiculous owners / board.

Just picture this...

Midway through last season:

Woodward - "So, Mourinho's doing alright, won 2 trophies last season, lets extend his contract for some reason"

Glazers - "Yes, go for it!"

*Finishes 2nd*

Mourinho - "So, we finished 2nd, lets invest in this team and push on to challenge next season"

Woodward - "Erm... yeah... I'll just run it past the guys"

Glazers - "Ok as long as signings are sensible."

Woodward - "Ok, Mou they gave us the money. Which players you want?"

Mou - "Fred for 50m"

Woodward - "Signed. Are you happy with him?"

Mou - " Not really, I am not planning to play him very often

Woodward - "Why?"

Mou - "I want Toby"

Woodward - "Jeez he'll cost us 60m and he's at the wrong side of his 20s. Can you find someone else who represent value?"

Mou - "Are you questioning me? You already costed me Willian"

Woodward - "I know but you don't spend ridiculous money on near 30 year olds. We bought Matic and Sanchez and it didn't really worked out"

Mou - "Then get me Maguire"

Woodward - "Are you sure? He'll cost a bomb"

Mou - "Not really but if doesn't work out then we can always buy another CB. That's what we always do"

.......
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Classical Mechanic said:
That's exactly what Mourinho's mouthpiece in the press wanted you to conclude.
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Incorrect really. We hired Javier Ribalta and he left because his recommendations fell on deaf ears. We arguably give the manager too much power, he is effectively responsible for our first team scouting.

If they want Mourinho's approval before hiring one they are simply clueless. No manager in the world will approve power being taken away from them. You have to force it on them like Arsenal did, Wenger complained and made fun of it but got on with his job.
 
breakout67 said:
Incorrect really. We hired Javier Ribalta and he left because his recommendations fell on deaf ears. We arguably give the manager too much power, he is effectively responsible for our first team scouting.

If they want Mourinho's approval before hiring one they are simply clueless. No manager in the world will approve power being taken away from them. You have to force it on them like Arsenal did, Wenger complained and made fun of it but got on with his job.
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Thought he left for a more senior and higher paid role? One of his big recommendations was to sign Can from Liverpool!
 
breakout67 said:
Incorrect really. We hired Javier Ribalta and he left because his recommendations fell on deaf ears. We arguably give the manager too much power, he is effectively responsible for our first team scouting.

If they want Mourinho's approval before hiring one they are simply clueless. No manager in the world will approve power being taken away from them. You have to force it on them like Arsenal did, Wenger complained and made fun of it but got on with his job.
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Source? Is he a mate of yours?
 
Classical Mechanic said:
Thought he left for a more senior and higher paid role? One of his big recommendations was to sign Can from Liverpool!
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Yes, only Samuel Luckhurst reported he left because his recommendations were not considered, so many other reported that he left because he got bigger role.
 
Shark said:
Why is he still here then?
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Well he recently signed a new contract just a year ago, so the severance package will be huge. I assume they must have a break clause in his contract if he misses the top 4.

The other managers we will want to take his place are already at other clubs, or aren't willing to join mid season.

Maybe the board are waiting for Jose to show he can turn this team around without buying first?
 
devilish said:
Let me sort that for you.
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Exactly this.

The complete BS some write about the Glazers now. I don’t want them here, don’t get me wrong. But some are pretending that they don’t spend money on new players or back Jose.

He’s been given a feck load of cash since he’s been here! And we’re 8th! EIGHTH! That’s not the Glazers fault.

Open your eyes for the love of Christ. Spurs spend nothing on players. Arsenal spend hardly anything and look how well Emery is doing.

The excuses for Jose HAS to stop.
 
devilish said:
Let me sort that for you.
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Vadim said:
Exactly this.

The complete BS some write about the Glazers now. I don’t want them here, don’t get me wrong. But some are pretending that they don’t spend money on new players or back Jose.

He’s been given a feck load of cash since he’s been here! And we’re 8th! EIGHTH! That’s not the Glazers fault.

Open your eyes for the love of Christ. Spurs spend nothing on players. Arsenal spend hardly anything and look how well Emery is doing.

The excuses for Jose HAS to stop.
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So... why not just sack him then?

That's my point.

Why not sack him in the Summer if you completely disagree with his targets? Why not sack him now as we're under-performing?

And yes he's been given money to spend, but then, he's won them 2 trophies, and he's given them 2 top 4 finishes - this generate money as well.
 
Rhyme Animal said:
So... why not just sack him then?

That's my point.

Why not sack him in the Summer if you completely disagree with his targets? Why not sack him now as we're under-performing?

And yes he's been given money to spend, but then, he's won them 2 trophies, and he's given them 2 top 4 finishes - this generate money as well.
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1. Amount of money he would've received is a shit ton
2. They already have someone lined up that didn't want to come here in the summer.
3. They want to stick with him and our logic is totally flawed. (I read somewhere that in September we paid more than 100 mil on clauses from old transfer contracts - that might be one of the reasons he wasn t backed)
 
Of course Castles would out his biased slant on it but the point is clear.
It seems Mourinho is not keen on the preferred candidate and only wants to work with Ocampos .
The the DoF is coming to work for the club not Mourinho so the Glazers have decided to shelve the plan until Mourinho fecks off.
Just look at this line.
Jose Mourinho is looking for a man he can trust as director of football but the word is the club won’t appoint one until the Portuguese has gone"
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What self respecting club allows the manager to pick the DoF?
I wish they would just hire the man they want and tell Mourinho to feck off of he's not happy.
 
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In my opinion a Director of Football at United will need to hold the ring, between Ed and Jose and have the authority to push/overide both men when necessary. What sort of person would that have to be and is such a person available at the present time... or even on the horizon?

S/he will need to be able to assess Mourinho's plans in football terms and Jose's assessment of potential players that he is recommending to Ed, and also to match such players to whatever future is planned for the club in terms of policy, ethos etc.. S/he will need to explain to Ed that even when you spend millions on players and have done your due diligence they can still fail to meet expectations and hence there needs to be a credible plan for moving such players on, not leaving them languishing as so called 'squad' players.

As others have said previously, I suspect the DoF appointment can only be made when both Mourinho and Woodward have gone, turkeys don't vote for Christmas and its difficult to see either Jose or Woodward accepting a DoF with the above mandate.
 
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Rhyme Animal said:
So... why not just sack him then?

That's my point.

Why not sack him in the Summer if you completely disagree with his targets? Why not sack him now as we're under-performing?
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Almost all the signs point to us trying to sign his targets. Woody didn't just veto them, despite how some talk. However each of targets ended up requiring us to pay stupidly over-the-top prices which Woody refused to pay. Ultimately he was probably disappointed that he didn't get any of those defenders, but had belief in Mourinho being able to continue improving the same team that finished 2nd last season (with the addition of Fred and Pereira).
 
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