Manchester United have reportedly lined up a shock move for former Blackpool manager Michael Appleton.
The 48-year-old is being targeted to join the back room team at the Premier League giants as part of the club’s new look team.
His role specifically will be looking after the club’s loans.
Appleton began his playing career at the Red Devils, rising through the ranks as a youngster before departing for Preston North End in 1997. His time on the football pitch was however cut short after an injury, which resulted in a lawsuit where Sir Alex Ferguson and Ryan Giggs gave evidence.
He also holds a relationship with Dan Ashworth having worked alongside him at West Bromwich Albion.
Appleton went on to manage Blackpool, Portsmouth, Charlton, Lincoln City, Oxford United, Blackburn Rovers and was caretaker manager at Leicester City.
He is now set to link up with Manchester United, according to Alan Nixon.
Another manager at Manchester United?
In this new-look Manchester United back room team, it appears as though they are targeting former managers for roles in almost every department, with the strength and capability to step up when required. Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake joined recently, both having recently managed teams with Lillestrom manager Andreas Georgson expected to join soon.
Appleton has a decent track record with loans during his tenure, he helped provide the platform for stars such as Brennan Johnson and Morgan Rogers to eventually step up to top Premier League clubs. He also has good contacts throughout the EFL, having managed at a range of teams from League Two to the Championship as well as having a relationship with Manchester United itself.
It could be a smart move to appoint a manager to the role, he knows what is required as a lower league manager and the challenges they and the loan players will face so to have him guiding the process could be a masterstroke.