A revised second bid to buy Manchester United has been submitted by billionaire Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s Ineos’ offer was reported by Sky Sports last night as the battle for the ownership of the club intensifies.
A statement reported by The Athletic read: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos can confirm we have submitted a revised bid.”
A report via The Independent claims Ineos have already identified a potential key hire as sporting director.
Ineos plan sporting director
Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell has reportedly been identified as a ‘perfect fit’ for Ineos’ vision for Manchester United, The Independent report.
Ratcliffe is familiar with his work at Monaco in Ligue 1, where Ineos own French side Nice.
Mitchell would be a strong choice. He has been linked to Manchester United for years. BBC Sport reported in 2018 how he was considered for a role at Old Trafford.
United did not hire to the position until 2021, appointing John Murtough to Football Director internally. It is unclear whether Ineos would see Mitchell work alongside Murtough in a specific recruitment role, or replace him entirely.
Mitchell was linked to United last summer when he visited Old Trafford to watch a FA Youth Cup game and was spotted alongside his former RB Leipzig colleague Ralf Rangnick. The MEN claimed he was just visiting family in Manchester.
Last May, United hired Andy O’Boyle to the role of deputy football director to support Murtough, with the Mitchell rumours fading after Rangnick left.
Mitchell previously worked at Southampton and Tottenham under Mauricio Pochettino, before roles with RB Leipzig and currently Monaco.
This past week Mitchell had been linked with Liverpool, however, The Independent report this won’t be happening, with Ineos earmarking him for a role at Old Trafford.
Mitchell has an excellent transfer record including buying Sadio Mane, Heung Min-Son and Christian Nkunku.
He is also responsible for buying centre-back Axel Disasi for Monaco, who Foot Mercato this week reported Manchester United are holding talks over signing.
The Athletic report Mitchell has confirmed he will be leaving Monaco at the end of the season, believing he had fulfilled his ambitions at the club.
Manchester United’s potential takeover could make a move for Mitchell a case of perfect timing. Ineos would be choosing wisely.
It is worth noting that last September, Le Parisien reported Sir Jim Ratcliffe would be keen on hiring Paris Saint-Germain supremo Luis Campos as Manchester United’s sporting director.
Mitchell’s potential availability seems to have changed things, but the first battle is a difficult one Ratcliffe may not win. He needs to see off competition from Qatari investor Sheikh Jassim and other bidders to convince the Glazers to accept his offer.