Manchester United fans are urging the club to add former player Edwin van der Sar to the directors’ board after leaving his role at Ajax.
The 52-year-old joined Ajax’s board in 2012 and later progressed to be the club’s chief executive in 2016.
For the first time since 2009, Ajax have failed to qualify for the Champions League and will drop into the Europa League next season.
The Dutchman made more than 300 appearances for Ajax and over 200 for Manchester United, where he cemented his legacy as one of football’s greatest goalkeepers.
“We have experienced wonderful things together, but it has also been an incredibly tough period,” said van der Sar.
“I feel the need to take some distance, to get some rest, and to do other things. It doesn’t feel good to take decisions about the future of this wonderful club in the coming period. That is why I have decided to resign.”
A message for you ❌❌❌ pic.twitter.com/dHjwYXXYod
— Edwin van der Sar (@vdsar1970) May 30, 2023
Ajax were denied a third consecutive Eredivisie crown by Feyenoord, who won the league by six points ahead of PSV Eindhoven in second.
They were also knocked out of the Champions League group stages and later the Europa League in a knockout round play-off by Union Berlin.
Van der Sar worked closely with United manager Erik ten Hag during his spell at Ajax from 2017-2022 and has already received an approach from the club previously.
He turned down United’s offer of a role as Director of Football at Old Trafford, preferring to remain in the Netherlands.
He spent the majority of last summer negotiating with the 20-time Premier League champions, who purchased Lisandro Martinez and Antony from Ajax.
Prospective buyers for the Red Devils, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sheikh bin Hamad al-Thani, will know the fanbase’s desire to reunite but any approach from the Glazer family is unlikely.
Edwin van der Sar leaving Ajax today, having had a poor season as CEO, does not detract from his excellent performance in the role so far. He would still be a great option in that position for Manchester United.
Business relationships and the cohesion of different people with…
— Izaak | UnitedCloud (@unitedcIoud) May 30, 2023
🗣”I love Edwin Van Der Sar, but I’m wary of becoming Ajax 2.0!”
Would you take Van Der Sar back at United?🤔 #MUFC pic.twitter.com/kuXgRI9EN4
— Stretford Paddock (@StretfordPaddck) May 30, 2023
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