Man Utd gets closer to the first technical director as the club tries to name a name according to the club's traditions

Manchester United is getting closer to the appointment of its first technical director, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer playing a role in the recruitment process.

The club hopes the position will be filled in time for the start of next season. The successful candidate will immediately begin work on the long-term transfer strategy.

While Solskjaer will have a say on new recruits – especially this summer – he will have to work alongside a technical director, who will have a broader view of the first team.

That's why Ed Woodward is so committed to ensuring that this new appointment is the perfect complement to the United manager.

Solskjaer confirmed: "I now have a contribution in most things and of course gives my advice.

"I must say that the communication between me, Ed and the owners is very good. We discuss different names (but) I am not the one who decides.

"Football has changed and the structure of football clubs has changed. With Ed and Joel (Glazer, co-owner), we're looking for how this club can be managed as smoothly as possible.

"We will see what the club is going to finish and I am happy to discuss football with knowledgeable people, well placed in the right positions.

"I think the demands of football today mean you have to share responsibilities."

The opening of Solskjaer to work in a more modern structure was another factor in his favor when United chose to give him a three-year contract last week.

Jose Mourinho was opposed to Woodward creating a buffer between the director and the board – even looking for face-to-face meetings with the executive vice president last season to request the # 39; s badurance that no plan was in place.

At this point, there were none – but the fallout from United's inability to sign a high-quality center last summer underscored the need to change its recruitment process.

Andrea Berta of Atletico Madrid and Fabio Paratici of Juventus were the best candidates, but it seems increasingly likely that United will name a name more in line with the club's traditions.

This could be an internal option as current football development manager John Murtough or academy director Nicky Butt.

Solskjaer's close working relationship with Butt was also noted by United's hierarchy when he made a final decision regarding Mourinho's permanent successor.

Mike Phelan, who is yet to finalize his new role after his essential contribution to the revival of Solskjaer, also has the necessary qualities to fulfill his mission.

Woodward plans to end the turbulence of the past five and a half years following the retirement of Sir Alex Ferguson.

After witnessing Solskjaer's spectacular success after restoring the club's traditions, United decided to follow this formula with respect to the technical director.

Candidates such as Monchi and Paul Mitchell of RB Leipzig were fired.

It is expected that the new appointment will take a holistic view of the first team planning, taking into account what is produced at the academy level, rather than just buying solutions all done.

The identification of emerging players of the under-21 age group around the world, who can be signed and loaned to partner clubs.

United has taken his time for what he sees as a vital rendezvous in his bid to close the field on Manchester City and Liverpool at the top of the Premier League.

City has greatly benefited from Txiki Begiristain's role as football director and his close relationship with Pep Guardiola.

Players like Raheem Sterling and Kevin de Bruyne were hired before Guardiola took charge in 2016 – but they were created to build a team that fits the Catalan style.

The Liverpool transfer committee has also been successful, allowing Jurgen Klopp to patiently build a team that is now fighting for a Premier League and Champions League double. S

In contrast, United's transfer strategy has fluctuated widely according to the wishes of David Moyes, Louis van Gaal and Mourinho.

That came to a sudden stop last summer when the club's recruiting department vetoed a crowd of central defenders targeted by Mourinho, including Jerome Boateng and Yerry Mina.

Mourinho also had the right of veto – just like Solskjaer.

However, the appointment of a technical director should make it possible to better synchronize objectives.

United is ready to strongly support its new director in the transfer market this summer, offering a long list of targets under reduction.

Ordinarily, a short list would have been established in February, with plans for the summer starting as early as September.

Mourinho's dismissal and the uncertainty surrounding his successor have had an impact on the next transfer window, but Solskjaer has been discussing the transfer strategy with Woodward since the beginning of his tenure.

He believes that United needs to be strengthened in all departments – but central defense, midfielder and right wing should have priority.

United is willing to pay more than 80 million pounds for Jadon Sancho, including Kalidou Koulibally, Raphael Varane and Bruno Fernandes.

Callum Hudson-Odoi, Declan Rice and Aaron Wan-Bissaka are also on Solskjaer's radar.