Transfer guru Paul Mitchell has already advised Manchester United on how they must set up for success amid reports that he has been 'earmarked' for a role if Sir Jim Ratcliffe takes over the club.
Journalist Ben Jacobs claimed that Ratcliffe is considering Mitchell as a contender to take up a post within United's football structure, should his joint bid with Ineos prove to be successful.
The 41-year-old former player has had spells at Southampton, Tottenham and RB Leipzig as head of recruitment, and is now in post at Ligue 1 side Monaco as their sporting director.
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In a statement confirming his departure, Mitchell said his mission at the club 'has been fulfilled', and also cited a desire to spend more time with his loved ones as another reason behind his decision.
A return to England, therefore, appears a major possibility for the former Spurs man - and he could make Old Trafford his next home should Ratcliffe and Ineos purchase a majority stake in the club from its current owners, the Glazer family.
Speaking in a July 2022 with Sky Sports, Mitchell spoke about the club and new boss Erik ten Hag in glowing terms - but stated that United needed to establish a new structure in order to succeed.
Mitchell has told Man Utd how to improve recruitment
Mitchell was born in Denton, Greater Manchester - meaning he already has a connection with United as a club.
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And on the club's recruitment strategy, he noted: "We are a long time from the Sir Alex Ferguson era. Erik ten Hag is a top coach from Ajax but they need a top blueprint. Not only for now, but for the next five years, and work towards that.
"You have to know that, over that period, the consistency of the decision making will yield a good end result. I think we've seen that both Manchester City and Liverpool, that when you adopt that long-term strategy you can get real consistency and sustainable success.
"I think that's the biggest thing for Manchester United; putting down their identity of what they want to be today, but most crucially what they want to be in five years' time, and where they want to be, and what they want to look like. Everything from young players, to the style of play, to the whole culture peace in Manchester United."
United have made impressive signings this season, with Casemiro, Lisandro Martinez and Antony all seen as players who can provide success long-term to the club.
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But the club elected not to spend transfer fees in January, instead completing loan moves for Marcel Sabitzer, Jack Butland and Wout Weghorst.
While those deals have yielded mixed success, the appointment of Mitchell - and his proposed blueprint - could take United to the next level.
Featured Image Credit: Alamy / Mandoga Media/Sipa USATopics: Manchester United, Premier League