Manchester United target transfer supremo who almost signed Erling Haaland
Associated PressManchester United have reportedly made Crystal Palace sporting Director, Dougie Freedman, their top target to become head of recruitment at Old Trafford.
The news comes as Erik ten Hag’s side look to bolster their ranks away from the pitch. The Red Devils have appointed a new incoming chief executive Omar Berrada, with Dan Ashworth leading the charge to become the club’s new sporting director.
Freedman has now seemingly emerged as a priority for Man United in their hunt for a new head of recruitment, with Crystal Palace understood to be expecting an official approach later in the week.
With Sir Jim Ratcliffe now completing his 27.7% acquisition of the club, it appears Man United are wasting no time in their bid to propel themselves back to the top of the table.
Yet not everyone has been overly enamoured by the news of the club’s links with Freedman.
One fan took to social media to cheekily point to a seeming failed attempt by Palace to sign Erling Haaland back when the prolific Man City striker was just a teenager.
Despite this, Freedman has garnered a reputation as someone with a real eye for talent, shown by some of the superb signings he has overseen during his time at Palace.
Dougie Freedman’s best Crystal Palace signings
5. Cheick Doucoure
Doucoure signed for the Eagles in July 2022 for just shy of £20million ($25.4m) and was quickly linked with the likes of Liverpool after some impressive performances in the Premier League.
The midfielder won the club’s Player of the Year award in his first season at Selhurst Park.
4. Joachim Andersen
Andersen has been instrumental to Palace’s defence since his arrival in the summer of 2021 for £15m ($19m).
The Denmark international even scored the only goal in a 1-0 over Man United at Old Trafford earlier this season.
3. Marc Guehi
After coming through the ranks at Chelsea, Guehi quickly cemented himself in the starting XI following his £18m ($22.9m) move from the Blues.
The defender made his international debut for England in 2022 and has continued to establish himself as one of the country’s top talents at centre-back.
2. Eberechi Eze
There are few people as exciting to watch with a ball at their feet as the 25-year-old.
Since joining from QPR for a fee in the region of £20m ($25.4m), Eze battled back from an Achilles injury that kept him on the sidelines for more than six months to record 10 goals and four assists last year.
1. Michael Olise
A steal at just over £8m ($10.2m), Olise has shone since his move from Reading to Palace in 2021.
One of the shining lights in the club’s 22/23 season saw the 22-year-old linked with a move to Chelsea, before eventually committing his future to the club last August.