Manchester United on ‘red alert’ in director of football search as Marc Overmars and Edwin van der Sar consider quitting Ajax

Manchester United have been given a huge boost in their search for a new director of football after a stunning admission from Marc Overmars.

Overmars, who currently holds the position at Ajax, has admitted he would be open to taking on new challenges alongside his colleague and Old Trafford legend Edwin van der Sar.

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According to , the 47-year-old fits the bill perfectly for the Red Devils as they seek a new leader to spearhead the revolution behind their recruitment process.

Criticism has been aimed at United’s costly recruitment system ever since Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill vacated their respective positions in 2013 following the Scot’s retirement as manager.

Overmars, who spent three years at Arsenal during his playing days, helped establish Ajax as a force in Europe once again by nurturing their esteemed academy and developing their shrewd market approach.

His latest comments will be of particular interest to Ed Woodward, with the former Netherlands international suggesting he would be open to leaving the Dutch capital.

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“When I was appointed in this job at Ajax I knew I only wanted to stay for three or four years ­maximum,” said Overmars.

“I have been here eight seasons now! For me – but just as much for Edwin – it is sure that we are not going to carry on here until we are 60.

“This job at Ajax is costing too much energy. The whole of the ­Netherlands is constantly on my back and has an opinion about us.

“The job has brought a lot of great things too. Edwin and I are proud that we have brought Ajax back where it should be in Europe.”

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Woodward and Man United's chief transfer negotiator, Matt Judge, have been forced to bear the brunt of supporter anger after yet another disappointing summer transfer window.

Jadon Sancho was linked with a move to Old Trafford all summer, as was Jack Grealish before signing a new deal at Villa, with a slew of deadline day signings sparing the blushes.

A host of top European clubs could not fathom doing business without a director of football in charge, leading to serious confusion amongst the elite as to how they handle business.

While it is unclear whether or not either Overmars or Van der Sar would be keen to relocate to Manchester, the Dutch duo certainly have lofty ambitions for the future.

“We had one shared ambition – we wanted Ajax to reach a European final,” Overmars added. “Which one did not matter. We managed that in 2017, and now we want more.

“We want to win the Champions League or Europa League.”