Rio Ferdinand remains tight-lipped on Man Utd sporting director job despite Gary Lineker’s probing
RIO FERDINAND remained tight-lipped on rumours linking him to the new sporting director role at Manchester United despite Gary Lineker’s probing.
The BT Sport presenter was desperate to get something out of the former defender during BT Sport’s coverage of Tottenham’s Champions League semi-final with Ajax.
Ferdinand, 40, is understood to be interested in the role set to be created at Old Trafford this summer.
And Lineker tried his best to get something out of the pundit, who was spotted chatting to former team-mate and current Ajax CEO Edwin van der Sar pitchside at the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
But Ferdinand refused to be drawn into discussions, batting away the cheeky attempts.
He said: “I think the game is more important.
“Edwin’s a lovely fella, he was telling me the ins and outs of what he does – very demanding but very rewarding.”
Manchester United are thought to be one of a number of clubs tracking Ajax captain Matthijs de Ligt.
The defender, 19, has excelled for his club this season after being given the armband, with standout performances away at Real Madrid and Juventus bumping up his price tag.
He reckons he should not be sold for more than the £65million Barcelona agreed to pay for team-mate and pal Frenkie de Jong this summer.
And asked on United’s interest in De Ligt, Ferdinand again was one step ahead.
The ex-United man replied: “I see where you’re going with this. He’d be on the list of every top team out there.”
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Barcelona are the odds-on favourite to sign the youngster this summer as they look for a long-term successor to Gerard Pique.
And he fits the bill as a brilliant centre-back but also an inspirational leader.
De Ligt will be desperate to earn a positive result in North London tonight to take an advantage back to Amsterdam next week.