Sam Allardyce says Man United should NOT make Rio Ferdinand their sporting director and backs another club legend for role
The former England boss insists club need a more experienced figure to lead their transfer strategy and oversee negotiations
Manchester United would be making the wrong move in appointing Rio Ferdinand as sporting director, according to Sam Allardyce.
Ed Woodward, executive vice chairman of the Premier League giants, is set to introduce a new role which will take over responsibility for the club's transfer dealings, as part of a restructure at United this summer.
Ferdinand, a six-time title winner at Old Trafford and former teammate of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, has for the position.
But Allardyce is not convinced the 40-year-old, who has been working as a TV pundit since hanging up his boots four years ago, has the experience to take on such a senior role.
Speaking on the Sports Breakfast, the former England manager said: "I think Rio is a great guy, a fantastic pundit and he was a fantastic player but to have that job at Manchester United and what it entails...
"Steve Walsh worked with me at Everton and learnt his trade on that side of the game for many, many years at Leicester. He did a two year sporting director course, Steve Round did that course, which gives you a great insight.
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"The role of a sporting director is to generally take the pressure off the manager.
"Trying to get a football man in, I understand. But trying to get a football man in without any experience..."
Allardyce went on to name the ideal man for the sporting director role at United, and he's already at the club.
"There is one man who can do that job with his eyes closed and he is already there as an ambassador, who has done it all - Bryan Robson - and I'm sure he would love the job.
"Bryan Robson would be a fantastic choice in that position for me. If they want somebody with links to Man United, there can be nobody better. They want somebody who is experienced in that area.
"There was no sporting director when Robbo was at Middlesbrough, he bought and sold all the players, and did a fantastic job. There is a ready-made man for them.
"Rio is a fantastic guy but he does not have a lot of experience in that department if he gets that job."