INEOS identify four-man shortlist for new Manchester United Old Trafford role

INEOS have identified a four-man shortlist as they look to install a new role at Old Trafford as part of their overhaul at the club.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s acquisition of 25 per cent of Manchester United is already creating significant waves at the club as INEOS have been handed full sporting control surrounding Erik ten Hag.

Although it remains unclear if Ten Hag is in immediate danger of losing his job, Ratcliffe and co are looking to install a new position at Old Trafford – the director of football role.

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According to The Telegraph, Ratcliffe and his INEOS team are aiming to finalize the appointment in the coming weeks as part of their much-anticipated overhaul of United’s existing recruitment setup.

Following the recent announcement of Omar Berrada as the new chief executive of the club, snatching him from City Football Group, INEOS have narrowed down the search for a director of football to a select few candidates.

Among those considered are Dan Ashworth, currently serving as Newcastle’s director of football; Julian Ward, the former sporting director at Liverpool; Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace; and Paul Mitchell, formerly the head of recruitment at Tottenham and later in a similar role at Monaco.

Internationally, potential candidates that have been linked to the position include Andrea Berta from Atletico Madrid; Cristiano Giuntoli representing Juventus; Lee Congerton at Atalanta; and Ricky Masara; and Paolo Maldini, who left AC Milan last year.

The appointment of a new director of football is part of their broader strategy for restructuring Manchester United’s management and recruitment operations.