Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly identified Paul Mitchell as the man who could become Manchester United's new sporting director, as the founder of INEOS prepares to take control of the club's sporting operation.
Ratcliffe is said to be on the brink of acquiring a 25% stake in Man United from the Glazer family, who are the current sole owners of the club. Reports from the BBC suggest the English billionaire could be in control of United ahead of the January transfer window if the Premier League ratify the deal in time.
In November, United announced that their CEO, Richard Arnold, had left the club and legal counsel Patrick Stewart would take charge on an interim basis. Jean-Claude Blanc, the former PSG and Juventus executive is a name being tipped to replace Arnold in the new year on a full-time basis.
In what is anticipated to be a time of change for United, The Sporting News takes a look at the latest name to be linked to an executive role within the club.
Who is Jean-Claude Blanc?
Mitchell, who was born in Stalybright in Greater Manchester, played for Wigan Athletic and helped them to promotion in 2003. After retiring at the young age of 27 at MK Dons due to injury, he was granted an ambassadorial role before becoming their head scout in 2010.
He went on to become the head of recruitment at Tottenham Hotspur, working well with Mauricio Pochettino there and at Southampton. He also boasts roles at RB Leipzig and most recently Monaco on his CV. He left that role in France back in June.
Reports indicate that the 42-year-old has relocated to the north west of England and could be on his way in at Old Trafford.
Paul Mitchell last year: “Erik ten Hag is a top coach from Ajax but they need a top blueprint not only for now but
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