9 candidates on shortlist to become Man Utd's next sporting director emerge

30 January 2024 , 17:13

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Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to make moves off the pitch at Man United (Image: PA)

Manchester United have got nine names in mind as Sir Jim Ratcliffe looks to appoint a new sporting director at Old Trafford.

The Ineos chief has been looking to employ several leading figures off the pitch with Omar Berrada coming in as the club's new chief executive from the summer having served as Manchester City's chief operating officer for several years. Ratcliffe is now eyeing his next appointment with several big hitters already working in the Premier League.

Newcastle's Dan Ashworth, who moved up to St James' Park after impressing at Brighton, is among the names most heavily linked with the role. He's only been in the north east for a short time but has made an immediate impact.

Julian Ward, the former Liverpool sporting director, is another man on the list as is Crystal Palace'sDougie Freedman, who is a left-field choice. Paul Mitchell has previously been the head of recruitment at Tottenham and Monaco and is another man on their shortlist, reports the Telegraph.

Several individuals at European clubs are also being considered. Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta,Cristiano Giuntoli at Juventus,Lee Congerton at Atalanta and Ricky Masara and Paolo Maldint, who left AC Milan last year, have all been touted as potential options.

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Ineos were keen to have Berrada on board initially so he could have a say in who they will choose as director of football. United's new owners are adamant that two of the most senior figures must share a similar vision and work together effectively.

They are also the men who will determine whether or not Erik ten Hag remains at the club beyond this season. The Dutchman has struggled to build on a promising debut campaign and United are unlikely to land a trophy whilst the top four appears a tall order.

Julian Ward is being considered by chiefs at Old Trafford (Liverpoolfc.com)

Ten Hag confirmed that he and Ratcliffe had spoken but refused to say whether a new contract had been discussed. He said: “First, the most important thing is the club. It’s about the club, about the team and how we have to work to high standards to achieve our targets. It’s not about any individual person.

"When you’re involved in top-level football, I think you know that you have to prove yourself every day - and that counts for everyone who is working for this club.

‌“We have to look to ourselves and keep working and reconstructing this club. We know we need to be better. Last season we were over-performing. In the summer we were in a very good place, nobody could expect what we achieved last season. Now we have had a downfall and we have to stop this - but I think it belongs to the project.”

Samuel Meade