Manchester United tried to sign Paul Mitchell favourite in August

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Manchester United could bring Paul Mitchell to Old Trafford – months after failing to prise Youssouf Fofana away from his Monaco side.

We are expecting to hear news of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment into United soon enough.

A £1.4billion deal to buy 25% of United may be delayed but the expectation is that Ratcliffe will be involved with United in the coming months.

It’s not the full takeover United fans wanted, but Ratcliffe could bring some big changes – especially in terms of a potential recruitment addition.

Manchester United could land Paul Mitchell

A key name associated with Ratcliffe is former Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell.

The Independent claimed in March that Ratcliffe planned to bring in Mitchell as United’s sporting director.

Sure enough, the rumours have ramped up again with reporter Ben Jacobs claiming that Mitchell wants a job at United and has already moved back to the North West.

Once Ratcliffe takes control of football operations, as is expected, then we can imagine that a deal for Mitchell won’t be far away – and that could bring a Monaco ace back onto the United radar.

United tried to sign Youssouf Fofana amid Mitchell links

United reportedly made a move to sign Monaco star Youssouf Fofana over the summer with a new midfielder wanted at Old Trafford.

Fabrizio Romano reported in August that United had asked about a loan deal for Fofana but Monaco rejected the approach.

Monaco and Mitchell stood firm on keeping Fofana, just a couple of months before Mitchell left the Stade Louis II.

Mitchell is certainly a big fan of Fofana, moving to praise him in 2022 whilst suggesting that he had been unfairly overlooked due to midfield partner Aurelien Tchouameni’s performances.

Mitchell felt that Fofana was just about as good as Tchouameni back then but Fofana’s dirty work seemingly went under the radar.

Fofana clearly already has fans inside United and could now add another one in Mitchell.

Sofyan Amrabat is only on loan and Casemiro hasn’t been at his best this season, so don’t rule out a new move for Fofana in 2024 – especially if Mitchell arrives.