Manchester United will step up plans for appointing a technical director now their summer transfer window business is complete.

United's initial intention was to make an appointment before Jose Mourinho's successor as manager was confirmed.

But for this window, boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer operated within the existing recruitment structure, says BBC Sport.

When Solskjaer was given the job on a permanent basis on 28 March, club insiders said the role would be filled by the start of the season.

Former players Darren Fletcher and Rio Ferdinand spoke to executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward a number of weeks ago.

Although it is understood there has been no further face-to-face contact, vice-chairman Ed Woodward has kept the pair in the loop over changes to the timescale for an appointment.