Patrice Evra has confirmed that he is in talks with executives of Manchester United for a future role at the club. He is quick to remind though that discussions are at an early stage and a return at Old Trafford remains up in the air.
The recently retired Evra played eight years of football for United before leaving for other clubs. There sightings of him at the United training ground, purportedly to earn his coaching badges, the Manchester Evening News reported.
The former Reds has also been seen lately with Ed Woodward, executive vice-chairman of United, further fueling speculations that a new job at Old Trafford awaits for the Frenchman. Rumors have it that Evra could be part of an incoming backroom staff that a new manager will bring in if Ole Gunnar Solskjaer gets the boot.
This week, Evra provided hints that he might be back soon at United for a still undisclosed role. The former left-back, however, refused to comment on suggestions that he is up for appointment as United's Director of Football, which Metro said a job that Woodward would want to fill up as early as last year.
Per the same report, the United executive has already considered other candidates for the role, but it was unclear why no appointment has been made.
For his part, Evra has made clear that his "behind the scenes" talks with United are in preliminary stages, so nothing definite can be said about them. He added that he has not been offered a definite job role but admitted a new stint at Old Trafford is welcome.
"I want to make it clear because some people think I'm already working for United but no, there's been some talks. But at the moment I'm only doing my badges. I know everyone is excited to see me back at the club," the former Reds was reported as saying.
He further explained that his ongoing talks with United would not necessarily mean he will be holding a job in the end.
"We'll decide whether I will work for the club in a certain role or not," Evra said.
Evra added that while a return at Old Trafford is something to look forward to, he wanted it to be a meaningful one, a sort of a "role where I can get my hands dirty."
"If I come back to the club it's not just to put my face on it it's to make sure that the club is going back to being the best club in the world," said Evra.
