Paolo Maldini 'open to Manchester United role under Sir Jim Ratcliffe'

Paolo Maldini is reportedly open to discussing a move to Manchester United amid suggestions that he is being considered by the club as their potential new football director.

On Wednesday, it was announced that Richard Arnold was leaving his role as CEO of the Red Devils, with incoming minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe preparing to make major changes at Old Trafford.

The jobs of current football director John Murtough and director of football operations David Harrison are also in severe doubt, with Ratcliffe believed to be determined to bring in his own team.

Former Juventus CEO Jean-Claude Blanc is widely regarded to be the favourite to replace Arnold, while it is believed that Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman is also under consideration for a role in the potential new set-up in the football department.

Maldini, according to The Telegraph, is also an option, with the 55-year-old available following his surprise departure from AC Milan over the summer.

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The Italian is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in the history of football, spending his entire youth and professional career with AC Milan, representing their first team between 1984 and 2009.

Maldini returned to Milan in August 2018, becoming the sporting strategy and development director for the club, before being promoted to technical director one year later.

The ex-centre-back is believed to have played a leading role in the signings of Theo Hernandez, Rafael Leao, Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori and Mike Maignan, while Milan won the 2021-22 Serie A title during his time in a leadership position.

Maldini was sacked as technical director in June, though, allegedly due to a falling-out with the Italian club's owner Gerry Cardinale.

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According to Metro Sport, the Italian would be open to discussing a move to Man United, as he is now ready for the next challenge after his exit from San Siro.

Atalanta BC's Lee Congerton and Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta are also believed to be under consideration by Man United for roles at the club moving forward.

Ratcliffe's 25% purchase of Man United is expected to be confirmed before the end of the November international break, and the club are said to be planning to be active during the January transfer window.

Despite only coming in as a minority shareholder at this stage, it is understood that Ratcliffe has plans to complete a staggered takeover in the future.

On the field, the Red Devils will be back in Premier League action on November 26 against Everton before switching their attention to the Champions League and a must-win contest with Galatasaray.