Michael Edwards stance green lights Man Utd landing top sporting director target

15 November 2023 , 17:18

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Michael Edwards stance green lights Man Utd landing top sporting director target

Michael Edwards' reluctance to take another sporting director job could pave the way for Paul Mitchell to land a similar role with Manchester United.

Changes are expected at Old Trafford once Sir Jim Ratcliffe 's £1.3billion proposal for a 25 per cent minority stake in the club is ratified. It was confirmed on Wednesday that chief executive Richard Arnold will leave the club in December, with Ratcliffe set to install a new CEO - and the Ineos chief is planning to implement further off field changes.

The 71-year-old, who will assume full control of sporting matters once his deal has been approved, also has designs on overhauling the club's recruitment strategy and is seeking to appoint a new sporting director.

According to a new report from Foot Mercato, Edwards, formerly of Liverpool, and Mitchell are the two candidates United have their sights set on. However, a previous report from The Athletic back September outlined that Edwards has no appetite to take another sporting director role despite his success at Anfield.

Edwards played a pivotal role in one of the most successful chapters in Liverpool's history alongside Jurgen Klopp before stepping away from his position at the end of the 2021/22 campaign. He recently returned to football as a non-executive director of Ludonautics: an advisory service launched alongside Liverpool's former director of research Ian Graham.

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His stance on moving away from a sporting director role could open the door for Mitchell, who has also enjoyed significant success while operating in the transfer market across Europe. The former Monaco chief also has Premier League experience following spells with Southampton and Tottenham.

Join the debate! Who would you rather Man Utd fans: Edwards or Mitchell? Let us know here.

Former Liverpool sporting director Michael Edwards is being courted by Manchester United (LIVERPOOL FC)

Ratcliffe's desire to appoint a new sporting director is an indicator that the position of John Murtough, United's football director, is also at risk. It's expected that he, too, could follow Arnold out of the club in the coming weeks.

Arnold, who will be replaced by United board member Patrick Stewart on an interim basis, reacted to his departure on Wednesday in an official club statement. He said: “It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years.

“Through highs and lows, the constant has been the dedication of our employees and fans. I would like to thank all of them for their loyalty and commitment, and wish everyone associated with the club the very best for the future.”

Dan Marsh