Highly-rated executive Paul Mitchell has made his stance on becoming Manchester United’s new sporting director clear amid interest from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS, according to reports. Mitchell could be set to arrive at Old Trafford as part of a significant shake-up of the sporting department under new management.
Sir Jim is nearing a £1.4billion agreement with the Glazer family to purchase 25 per cent of the club.
As part of the deal for a minority stake, INEOS are expected to inherit total sporting control in the first significant change to the Glazers’ ownership since their controversial leveraged buyout in 2005.
Some United staff members reportedly fear for their jobs, given Sir Jim wasn’t brutally honest in his criticism of the club’s operation during his visit to Old Trafford and Carrington in March.
Red Devils chief executive Richard Arnold and football director John Murtough are among those in the firing line.
According to the Telegraph, Sir Jim is lining up Mitchell as Murtough’s replacement after years of being linked with a role at United.
The 71-year-old billionaire is keen to work with his own sporting director, and Mitchell is available after leaving AS Monaco earlier this year.
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And GiveMeSport claim that Mitchell would love to join the start of the INEOS revolution in Manchester, where he is from and currently resides.
The report adds that the former MK Dons, Southampton, Tottenham Hotspur and Red Bull group figure has been on INEOS’ radar for some time.
Sir Jim is said to have previously considered him for a role at OGC Nice before the pursuit of power at United came to fruition.
But it’s claimed that Sir Jim is keeping his options open as he looks to replace Murtough. Mitchell is the frontrunner, but he’s not the only candidate.
Jean Claude Blanc could be vying for Arnold’s job as United chief executive, a role he has fulfilled for INEOS since February.
Blanc has worked closely with Sir Dave Brailsford to oversee the petrochemicals giant’s projects in football, F1, sailing, cycling, rugby and running.
He has been hailed for providing world-class performance management and taking control of developing state-of-the-art facilities for each of INEOS’ teams and their global brands.
Sir Jim will likely enter power in time for next summer when Erik ten Hag’s rebuild at Old Trafford could take a significant step in the right direction.
