Paul Mitchell linked again as Ratcliffe nears Man Utd deal

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Manchester United look set to welcome Sir Jim Ratcliffe to the club – and that could mean a key role for Paul Mitchell.

United’s takeover situation took a real turn on Saturday evening.

Almost a year since the club went up for sale, top suitor Sheikh Jassim backed away from the race to take charge at Old Trafford.

BBC Sport report that a £5billion offer had been lodged by the Qatari banker but talks have now completely broken down.

That means a full sale from the Glazer family is now off the table – and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is waiting in the wings.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe set for Manchester United deal

Sheikh Jassim backing away means that INEOS chairman Ratcliffe is on the verge of a United agreement.

BBC’s report indicates that Ratcliffe is now set to purchase a 25% stake in United, meaning the Glazers will still maintain majority power.

That isn’t really what United fans have been looking for, but will hope that Ratcliffe – who hails from nearby Failsworth – can help take the club forward.

The 70-year-old is already involved in football with OGC Nice over in France, but the pressure at United will be much, much bigger – even with a 25% stake.

Ratcliffe involvement puts spotlight on Paul Mitchell

Ratcliffe’s experience in football may be a boost, and he seemingly has one appointment in mind already.

The Independent claimed in March that Ratcliffe and INEOS wanted to bring in Paul Mitchell as United’s sporting director.

The former Tottenham and RB Leipzig man has recently left his position at Monaco, where he was sporting director.

Sky Sports report that Ratcliffe and INEOS will now run football operations at United once the 25% purchase goes through.

That means Mitchell is surely in line for a key role at United, especially having only recently left his post at Monaco.

What’s interesting is that reporter Ben Jacobs now claims that Mitchell wants a job at United and has already moved to the North West of England.

Former Wigan Athletic midfielder Ratcliffe hails from Stalybridge and a deal with United just seems to make so much sense now.

The rumours about Ratcliffe targeting Mitchell have been going on for months now and the latest updates this weekend indicate that a deal may well be in the pipeline.