Why AC Milan icon Paolo Maldini has been tipped to become Manchester United sporting director

Former centre-back Mikael Silvestre has backed Italian icon Paolo Maldini to become Manchester United's new sporting director.

Amid INEOS Sport's impending investment at Old Trafford, a structural reform is set to take place within United's hierarchy. Richard Arnold exited his role as chief executive earlier this month and Frenchman Jean-Claude Blanc has been installed as the favourite to replace him.

There has also been increasing speculation suggesting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who is leading INEOS' bid for a 25 per cent stake in the club, wants to appoint a sporting director to oversee the club's football operations and recruitment. Former Tottenham Hotspur transfer guru Paul Mitchell has been heavily linked with the position.

READ MORE: Erik ten Hag's Kobbie Mainoo prediction is turning out to be true

READ MORE: Rasmus Hojlund features in United training ahead of Galatasaray fixture

However, Frenchman Silvestre, who spent nine years at Old Trafford as a player, believes Maldini would be a solid appointment to fill that void, pointing to his experience and knowledge. The legendary centre-back was AC Milan's technical director between June 2019 and June 2023.

"Paolo Maldini has the experience and the knowledge to be good in this role," Silvestre told bettingexpert.com. "He could be a potential sporting director for United, because of his career and his connections and knowledge on the international level.

"Under his watch the club won a Serie A title. He has been in that role in Serie A for a big club for a while, so he definitely has the experience to be in that role."

Meanwhile, Silvestre also believes that Ratcliffe should seek as much advice as possible from former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot,