Ralf Rangnick’s close ally Paul Mitchell is ‘set to be sacked by Monaco’

Manchester United have been handed a major boost as they hope to hire Paul Mitchell in a director of football role as Monaco look set to sack their sporting director.  

Mitchell made his name at Southampton, where he worked with Mauricio Pochettino as the Saints became one of the most exciting teams in the Premier League. 

But was most recently spotted as Ralf Rangnick’s guest at Manchester United’s FA Youth Cup fixture a fortnight ago, sparking speculation that he could make a move to Old Trafford.

Mitchell (right) was spotted at an FA Youth Cup game alongside boss Ralf Rangnick (left)

The Athletic, previously reported United want to sign a deputy football director to support director of football John Murtough. 

It’s possible Mitchell could be a hire for this role, and that it could evolve into a head of recruitment position, with his recent visit intensifying that speculation.  

Mitchell has been on United’s radar for a while, as BBC Sport reported in 2018 how he was under consideration for a role at the Red Devils, but it took the club until 2021 to hire a director of football and this ended up being an internal promotion for Murtough.

Mitchell told the Sun in 2018: ‘Manchester United are recognised for being one of the biggest clubs in the world. 

‘So any link with a club of that size, history and status is very flattering and I am a Manchester boy.’

Mitchell has been on United’s radar for a while as he was under consideration back in 2018

The Englishman moved with Pochettino to Tottenham from the Saints to oversee Spurs’ recruitment and he then struck up a relationship with Ralf Rangnick during his time with RB Leipzig. 

Mitchell has been with Monaco for 18 months, but it appears United could be his next move, following reports from L’Equipe that he will be sacked as part of widespread changes at the club.

The reports came before Monaco’s 3-0 win against Ligue 1 leaders Paris Saint-Germain but it’s claimed Mitchell, vice-president Oleg Petrov and manager Philippe Clement will be dismissed.

The club are seventh in the table and have accumulated just 43 points from 29 matches. 

The 40-year-old, however, was quick to put an end to the rumours after his visit to Manchester recently, but circumstances will have most definitely changed since. 

He told Monaco-Matin: ‘No, it’s just that I grew up there and so did my wife. My accent comes from there. 

‘A part of our family is based there, and my daughter has just bought her first house. I therefore go back there when I can.

‘I’m proud to come from there. I will admit that every time I return, Ralf asks me to come for a coffee.

‘We’re friends, close ones. We worked a lot together. We had success at Leipzig and travelled around the world. 

‘I had two free hours that day and, before returning to Monaco, I went to see the Youth Cup game with him.’ 

Newcastle were linked with a move for Mitchell following their huge takeover back in October.  

Whether Monaco will change their minds following the huge win over PSG remains yet to be seen. Either way Mitchell could be heading for Old Trafford.