Manchester United set for huge transfer overhaul as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots changes – Paper Round

Michael Edwards or Paul Mitchell are under consideration to be appointed the new sporting director at Manchester United when Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes charge.

“Changes are expected at Old Trafford once Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s £1.3 billion proposal for a 25% minority stake in the club is ratified. It was confirmed on Wednesday that chief executive Richard Arnold will leave the club in December, with Ratcliffe set to install a new CEO – and the Ineos chief is planning to implement further off-field changes.

“The 71-year-old, who will assume full control of sporting matters once his deal has been approved, also has designs on overhauling the club’s recruitment strategy and is seeking to appoint a new sporting director.

“His stance on moving away from a sporting director role could open the door for Mitchell, who has also enjoyed significant success while operating in the transfer market across Europe. The former Monaco chief also has Premier League experience following spells with Southampton and Tottenham.”

Matt O’Riley is attracting attention from Premier League clubs including Crystal Palace.

“The Denmark Under-21 international has attracted attention since moving to Glasgow from MK Dons in January 2022.

“The former Fulham trainee, whose mother is Danish, signed a new Celtic contract in September that expires in 2027.

“But bids north of £10 million would give the Scottish champions something to think about, although any move is more likely to happen next summer than in January.

“Newcastle and Leicester watched O’Riley in action for Denmark U21s in September.”

The Evening Standard reports that Roman Abramomich’s relationship with Chelsea is under examination once more.

“The alleged payments, made over a decade, appear to have benefited Chelsea but were allegedly not cited in the club’s annual accounts, submitted to the Premier League, FA and UEFA, European football’s governing body.

“Among the alleged beneficiaries were an agent linked to a former Blues manager, representatives of players signed by the club, chairmen of other clubs and a high-profile member of Chelsea’s football staff.”