Ex-Liverpool FC man Michael Edwards can offer Manchester United what Erik ten Hag needs

It is not often a Liverpool affiliated player, manager or backroom staff member does makes a direct switch to Manchester United, and vice-versa.

It is not the done thing and for those who even make the move via other clubs, a la Michael Owen, can have their reputation tarnished among one fanbase. However, radical decisions need to be made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and it seems deepest sporting rivalries are not going to prevent him from chasing the off field additions he needs.

Step forward reports which surfaced on Thursday suggesting Liverpool's ex-sporting director Michael Edwards is on INEOS' shortlist to replace John Murtough, who is on his way out. Between 2011 and 2022, Edwards became synonymous with the Merseyside club.

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Beginning as their chief analyst, the 44-year-old rose through the ranks at Anfield and in 2016 landed himself the role of sporting director. During his six year stint, Edwards worked closely with Jurgen Klopp to transform the fortunes at Liverpool and build a side which went on to win the Premier League and Champions League.

Klopp made no secret of his admiration for Edwards and the work he did. In December 2019, the German manager opened up on the working relationship he shared with the Southampton-native.

"[The relationship] is brilliant, absolutely brilliant," Klopp said. "It is a very good relationship, his whole department is doing a sensational job. It was an easy decision making at these times in Liverpool.

"It is good. It is all based on a lot of thought, he is a very thoughtful person and we don’t have to always have to have the same opinion from the first second of a conversation but we