Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman has been linked with a move to Manchester United in recent days, but chairman Steve Parish has now dropped a promising hint over his future.
Freedman has been in his role at Palace since 2017, and has signed and secured the futures of Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze amongst others, in what has been an impressive tenure for the former Palace striker and manager.
He has been linked with a move to Old Trafford in recent days, with Crystal Palace keen to keep hold of him, whilst former United defender Rio Ferdinand questioned the potential move.
Steve Parish opens up on Dougie Freedman rumours
Speaking on The Rest Is Football Podcast, Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish claimed that he is not aware of any talks between Man United and Freedman, and praised the sporting director.
“The fact he’s being linked with clubs like that show he’s doing the right thing,” Parish stated of Freedman.
“You would have to get into the minds of those people [United decision makers] wouldn’t you? I certainly don’t think there’s been any conversations. It’s flattering for the club.
“You guys live in the world where 50% of the stories in the media are true. 50% are not. We just don’t know which ones yet.
“[He’s been] really important. He’s a brilliant guy. He was the second manager I had at the club. He was instrumental in us getting promoted.
“He’s been instrumental, he saved the club [as a player] when we were about to get relegated from the Championship with a last-minute goal at Stockport. He got us promoted while playing for Wolves.
“He’s got a real affinity to the club and works really hard. We have signed some really good players and most importantly – the transfer window which is probably the hardest part of the job – it’s fun being involved in it with him.”
Crystal Palace need to keep Dougie Freedman
Freedman has been an incredibly important figure in Crystal Palace’s history, and stability needs to be maintained at the club now more than ever.
With Roy Hodgson’s contract running out at the end of the season, Freedman will again be tasked with potentially identifying the next manager to take the reins at Selhurst Park, and will also aim to tie Marc Guehi down to fresh terms.
Palace will face difficulties if they find themselves in a situation where they have to find both a new manager and a sporting director within a few months of each other, and should Freedman end up at United, it feels likely that he would then target Palace’s biggest stars.
Palace fans will be hoping that Freedman’s attachment to the club means he is not tempted by a move away should he end up receiving an offer from Man United.
