Rio Ferdinand will be the sports director of Manchester United

Rio Ferdinand met Ed Woodward to discuss the former England defender, who might become Manchester United's sports director. Sportsmail can reveal.

Woodward, Executive Vice President of United, is seriously considering bringing Ferdinand back to the club in a major role.

Glazer's family, owned by United, has been calling on Ferdinand since his retirement four years ago, but personal circumstances have made it impracticable. However, the moment could now be the right one.

Rio Ferdinand has been appointed to eventually become a sports director at Manchester United

The former defenseman had talks with the executive vice president of the club, Ed Woodward

United is restructuring the club and choosing someone to guide the transfer strategy and oversee the negotiations while listening to the manager.

Woodward identified Ferdinand as a strong candidate given his history and professional experience in United, including a clothing business and a restaurant.

United were also impressed by Ferdinand's badytical approach BT Sport pundit, with its 40-year-old offering, emits inspiring, environmentally-driven views that have been so successful in the days of Sir Alex Ferguson.

Ferdinand had a successful career at Old Trafford after becoming the UK's most expensive footballer with £ 30m in 2002.

The owners of United have been keen on bringing Ferdinand since his retirement four years ago.

Ferdinand spent 12 seasons at Old Trafford, winning six Premier League titles

He remained 12 seasons, becoming captain of the club and winning six Premier League titles, a Champions League and two League Cups.

He won 81 team selections in England and participated in two World Cups. He is considered one of the best central defenders in the history of the Premier League.

Ferdinand was a teammate of United Ole manager Gunnar Solskjaer between 2002 and 2007.

The Glazers have had a relationship with Ferdinand since childhood and have already tried to bring him back to the club.

Ferdinand's parenting responsibilities made it difficult, but Woodward opened discussions to see if circumstances could now work.

Mike Phelan (left) discussed Manchester United's technical director position

United wants to use their rich heritage in the same way as Ajax, where Edwin Van Der Sar is chief executive and Marc Overmars, director of football.

As revealed last week by SportsmailMike Phelan also had talks with United about the position of Technical Director, which focuses on maintaining the standards at Carrington and the direction of the academy.

The name of Darren Fletcher has also been mentioned as an addition in this area. We do not know how the final structure will form.