EXCLUSIVE: Paul Mitchell wants Man Utd sporting director role as Red Devils close in on top target

Jacque Talbot

Updated: 20 Oct 2023 15:39 BST
3 min read

Manchester United have primed Paul Mitchell to be their next sporting director once Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his deal for a 25 per cent investment in the club, while the former Monaco chief is eager to take on the role, FootballTransfers has been told.

Article continues under the video

We understand that Mitchell, a boyhood fan of the club, has wanted the job for years – however, a source close to the situation admitted there is a ‘concern with the ineptitude' among the current Man Utd hierarchy that may impact his decision.

Ratcliffe appears to be closing in on a stake at the club and part of his offer entails the INEOS founder to have a large say on its football operations.

Ratcliffe, who resides in Monaco, is a fan of Mitchell – both men were born within an eight-mile radius of each other in east Manchester - and the billionaire sees his compatriot as the ideal man to lead the club forward.

READ: Man Utd’s new committee: Who is Sir Dave Brailsford?

Indeed, there is a feeling that, when Ratcliffe's move to take 25 per cent of Man Utd is concluded, Mitchell is very likely to be granted a role with the Red Devils heading the club's recruitment in tandem with Erik ten Hag.

© ProShots - Paul Mitchell is out of work

© ProShots - Sir Jim Ratcliffe also owns Nice

However, there is a race against time: if the process takes too long then the club run the risk of Mitchell going elsewhere. Other elite sides will be ready and waiting to bring in the esteemed sporting director – though it's believed that Liverpool, and in particular, Jurgen Klopp, are not fans of the 42-year-old.

READ: Premier League managers: Full list of current bosses as Ten Hag is questioned

Will Sir Jim Ratcliffe take over Man Utd?

A board meeting was held on Thursday to decide the outcome of whether Ratcliffe will be able to claim a stake in Man Utd. The Brit wants to eventually take over the club in its entirety. But if the process takes longer than necessary and continues the takeover saga's running trend of being protracted then Mitchell will listen to offer offers.

Mitchell recently moved back to the north-west following his time at Monaco in preparation for a possible role in the region, most preferably at Man Utd.

Reports have suggested that fine details of Ratcliffe's proposal are still being ironed out, which is why a decision was not made at the meeting on Thursday, with a belief that a deal could be struck in the coming fortnight.