Man United move for ex-Preston North End and West Brom man to take up transfer role

Ex-Preston North End midfielder Michael Appleton is reportedly set to take on a new role at Manchester United.

The Sun report that new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has lined up Appleton for the role of loans manager at Old Trafford. The pair worked together at West Bromwich Albion and are said to have a ‘very close relationship’ - with strong links through FA circles.

Les Parry is currently overseeing the loan department at United, but is ‘set to be replaced’. Appleton has been out of work since January, having spent four months in charge of Charlton Athletic.

The 48-year-old has also managed Lincoln City, Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United and Blackpool - with caretaker spells at Leicester City and the Baggies. He came through Man United’s academy, before a move to PNE in 1997.

Appleton spent four years at Deepdale, making more than 120 appearances. He moved to West Brom in 2001 and retired in 2003 due to injury. Should he take up the position at the Premier League giants, it would be a first role away from the dugout for Appleton.