15 November 2023 , 23:59
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Paul Mitchell is keen to become Manchester United's new sporting director once Sir Jim Ratcliffe's proposed purchase of a 25 percent minority stake in the club is ratified.
The deal is set to see Ratcliffe take control of sporting matters and will lead to several major changes at the club. It has already been confirmed that CEO Richard Arnold will be leaving the club with Patrick Stewart, the club's chief legal officer and general counsel, taking over on an interim basis.
"It has been an incredible privilege to serve this great football club for the past 16 years," Arnold said in a statement. "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." Arnold's departure is set to be the first of many, with the futures of Football Director John Murtough and Director of Football Operations David Harrison also in doubt.
Ratcliffe is expected to bring in his own team, with former British cycling boss and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford set for a major role. According to Foot Mercato, CEO of INEOS Sport Jean-Claude Blanc will become Arnold's permanent replacement at United, while Ratcliffe is also keen to appoint a sporting director.
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A number of names have been heavily linked with the role, but Mitchell is said to be the frontrunner. The report claims that Mitchell is 'ready to sign' but there are still some details which are yet to be finalised.
Mitchell left his role as Monaco's sporting director earlier this year and previously worked as head of recruitment at RB Leipzig, Tottenham and Southampton. He was heavily linked with a move to Liverpool after it was announced that Julian Ward would be stepping down as sporting director, but Jorg Schmadtke was ultimately named as Ward's replacement on a short-term deal.
Paul Mitchell could be Manchester United's new sporting director (AFP via Getty Images)Arnold, meanwhile, is set to remain in his post until the end of December to provide "transitional support". Co-Chairman Joel Glazer said: "I would like to thank Richard for his outstanding service to Manchester United over the past 16 years, and wish him all the best for his future endeavours.
"We are fortunate to be able to call on the deep knowledge and experience of Patrick Stewart to provide interim stability and continuity as we embark on a search for a new permanent CEO."
Stewart added: "Together with my leadership team colleagues, my job will be to ensure that the club's foundations remain stable while we embrace changes that can make us stronger over the long term, on and off the pitch, and to support the search for a new permanent CEO."