Man Utd have a six-man wishlist for sporting director role, including Paolo Maldini

Manchester United have drawn up a six-man shortlist for the club's sporting director role as Sir Jim Ratcliffe plots a radical overhaul.

Ratcliffe, who is closing in on a 25 per cent stake in Man United, is expected to take guidance from Sir Alex Ferguson as he prepares a huge shake-up at Old Trafford.

Man United have been in decline since Ferguson's departure and using his expertise would be a popular move by the club's fans.

The British billionaire wants to improve the club's football operation and he is set to take advice from the Man United legend over some matters.

That could include helping to hire a new sporting director with John Murtough's position believed to be under threat.

According to The Telegraph, there are six names on the shortlist for the sporting director role at Man United.

Paolo Maldini is among the candidates, having had the same role at AC Milan before he was sacked in June.

He was in the role for five years and led his former side to Serie A glory in 2022.

Dougie Freedman, who is currently Crystal Palace's sporting director, is also liked at Man United, He's also a long-term ally of Ferguson, which could help his chances of landing the gig.

Freedman could also help the Red Devils secure the services of the 'next Lionel Messi'.

Could Dougie Freedman join Manchester United? Image: Getty

Atalanta's Lee Congerton, former Milan chief Ricky Massara, Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta and Jean-Claude Blanc, who's a leading figure at Ineos Sport, are also in the running ahead of Ratcliffe's imminent purchase of Man United.

Congerton is head of recruitment at the Italian side and had similar roles at Celtic, Leicester City and West Brom.

Like Maldini, Massara was also at the San Siro outfit before he was relieved of his duties in June.

Berta has been at Atletico for 10 years and has previously been linked with a move to Man United.

Who will Ratcliffe appoint? Watch this space.