This archive report was first published on 3 May 2021.
Former Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has been linked with a director of football role at Old Trafford, but has now confirmed he was contacted by the club about a potential CEO position.
Van der Sar, who has been Ajax's CEO since 2012, has helped restore the club's reputation as one of Europe's most respected clubs during his time in charge.
Speaking to ESPN's Good Morning Eredivisie, Van der Sar said: "Everyone is ambitious in life. Did they contact me? Yes, a few years ago already."
However, Van der Sar has ruled himself out of the running for the CEO position, citing his love for his current role at Ajax and his desire to stay in the Netherlands.
"I couldn’t do this job at a club I don’t like. I am extremely happy with what we have been able to achieve at Ajax," Van der Sar said.
Van der Sar also expressed his concerns about the differences between Ajax's structured approach and Manchester United's more complex ownership structure.
"What kind of CEO is Manchester United looking for? I am not your typical CEO," Van der Sar said.
"I am a CEO more for the football side of things. Ajax is very structured. Manchester United is so different and you have to work with several owners there too."
