Sir Alex Ferguson 'recommended Steve Walsh to Manchester United but Ed Woodward rejected advice' over director of football appointment
* Manchester United are targeting a summer rebuild under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer
* They are looking to overhaul their talent spotting and development strategy
* Sir Alex Ferguson put Steve Walsh's name forward for director of football role
* Walsh played a key role in Leicester signing Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante and Co
Manchester United's legendary manager Sir Alex Fergsuon recommended Steve Walsh for the director of football role, according to reports.
United are looking to oversee wholesale changes to their talent spotting and development strategy after a very disappointing finish to last season, with the club eager to appoint a director of football.
And according to Sky Sports News, former manager Ferguson - who won 13 Premier League titles and two Champions Leagues with United - recommended Walsh for the consultancy role.
But it has been reported that chief executive Ed Woodward has rejected the advice of United's beloved former manager, who left the club in 2013.
Walsh, who played a key role in Leicester signing the likes of Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante and Jamie Vardy while chief scout there before they went on to win the Premier League, left his role as director of football with Everton last year.
Indeed his reputation was tarnished amid criticism over the Goodison Park club's recruitment under Ronald Koeman and Sam Allardyce.
Over £150million was spent, however, many Everton insiders maintain that not all the players bought were down to Walsh as different voices within the club hierarchy fought for their own choices.
Prior to his Everton experience, Walsh was highly regarded in the game as someone with an astute eye for a player and his opinion is still sought after.
Sir Alex Ferguson recommended Steve Walsh for the director of football role at Man United. While at Leicester, Walsh unearthed the talents of Riyad Mahrez, N'Golo Kante and Jamie Vardy. Chief executive Ed Woodward rejected United's beloved former manager's advice
As first revealed by Sportsmail in March, United have offered a role to former player Darren Fletcher which is as yet unspecified but expected to be broad in terms of liaising between the playing staff and board, advising on recruitment at all levels and implementing better structure around the training ground.
Woodward is understood to be a big admirer of 35-year-old Fletcher and believes he has the intelligence and connection with the club to help transform the current malaise behind the scenes.
Woodward would still preside over transfer decisions with Matt Judge and John Murtough while taking advice from technical chief scout Mick Court but Fletcher's input would be valued.
Despite the call for a more experienced head such as Walsh, Woodward still favours the dynamic that would involve Fletcher in the hope that will help United and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer to re-instil the club's identity and values.
United face a huge summer ahead both on and off the field after their hugely underwhelming sixth-placed Premier League finish, with Solskjaer looking to make some shrewd signings prior to his first full season in charge.
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