What Paul Mitchell and Jim Ratcliffe would bring to Old Trafford

Manchester United could be set to benefit from the appointment of highly-regarded scout Paul Mitchell, with reports suggesting he could bring four superstars to Old Trafford depending if Sir Jim Ratcliffe succeeds in buying the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS is reportedly in pole position to buy United, and should the takeover be successful, Mitchell could be instated into the club’s hierarchy.

The 41-year-old is currently football director at AS Monaco, but he is due to leave the Ligue 1 side at the end of the season, paving the way for a potential move to Old Trafford.

Mitchell has extensive transfer experience after heading the recruitment for Southampton, Tottenham and RB Leipzig, and is credited with signing several top players during his time at those clubs.

While at Tottenham, he was responsible for the acquisition of Dele Ali, Toby Alderweireld, Keiran Trippier and Son Heung-min. At Southampton, he also recruited Sadio Mane, who went on to win multiple accolades under Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

In 2019, Mitchell signed Christian Nkunku from Paris Saint-Germain for RB Leipzig. The Frenchman went on to win the 2021-22 Bundesliga Player of the season award, sealing a £62 million move to Chelsea, as Leipzig pocketed over £50 million profit.

Mitchell could have a hand in Manchester United’s pursuit of Brazilian right-back Vanderson, with Erik ten Hag thought to be keen on the 21-year-old. Mitchell signed Vanderson for Monaco last year, but the defender has since been heavily rumoured with a move to Old Trafford.

Should Mitchell join Manchester United, he could help bring the Red Devils back to their glory days by signing top talent. While all four players he signed for Tottenham had vastly different trajectories, at the peak of their powers, they formed a hugely exciting Tottenham team.

Son has gone on to score 102 goals for the north London side, winning the golden boot last season alongside Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah. While Trippier captains Eddie Howe’s Champions league-chasing Newcastle.

Ratcliffe’s potential takeover bid for Manchester United would also represent a significant moment for the club, with many supporters calling for the current owners, the Glazer family, to sell up.

The takeover would give United a much-needed cash injection and bring in a new era of investment, which could help the club compete with the likes of Manchester City and Liverpool.

While nothing is yet certain, Manchester United fans will be hoping that Ratcliffe’s bid is successful and that the appointment of Mitchell could be the first step in a bright new future for the club.