Dougie Freedman has been linked with Manchester United(Credits: PA WIRE) Manchester United legend Rio Ferdinand has questioned the club's reported interest in Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly keen on hiring the Scot once he completed his PS1.4bn investment in the Red Devils.

The 71-year-old will be given control of football operations at Old Trafford, and he wants to appoint a new sporting director.

United have long needed a sporting director to oversee recruitment, with PS400m spent under Erik ten Hag in the last three windows alone.

But, while Ferdinand has backed a move for Michael Edwards or Paul Mitchell, he's confused by links with Freedman.

Asked about the links with Freedman on his Vibe with FIVE YouTube show, Ferdinand said: 'I think he lives in Manchester.

Ferdinand has questioned the move (Picture: YouTube) 'His name has come out of left-field for me, I've got to be honest. I don't remember anyone going, "Wow! Look at what Palace are doing!" in terms of recruitment.

'Like, Paul Mitchell I get it, he's had a history of doing good things that people [take notice of]. Michael Edwards and Julian Ward, they've got some body of work that people have recognised. Even Dan Ashworth with what he did at England and Brighton and now Newcastle. You can understand [links to them].

'But no disrespect, no-one has ever said to me at Palace, "Wow there's a load of players that have come here".

'Listen, [Eberechi] Eze, [Michael] Olise and [Marc] Guehi, they're three players that you go "yeah ok" but that's over the last two years.

'But for every one of those there's a couple of others where you go, "Wow, what happened there? Who was that?"

'And I'm not saying everyone gets everything right but they haven't got the reputation that makes you go, "Oh, I get that".'

MORE : Erik ten Hag to target two new Manchester United additions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe funds

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