Sir Jim Ratcliffe is planning to consult Sir Alex Ferguson before appointing a new sporting director at Manchester United, according to reports. The Ineos chief will assume control of football operations once his £1.3 billion deal for a 25 percent stake is ratified.
Ferguson's influence could favour Crystal Palace's Dougie Freedman, a long-term ally of the former manager. Other candidates include Atalanta's Lee Congerton and Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta, with former AC Milan duo Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara also of interest.
Paul Mitchell, formerly of Monaco, Southampton and Tottenham, remains a contender. Ratcliffe admires several sporting directors and is expected to overhaul recruitment strategy as part of sweeping changes at Old Trafford.
Chief executive Richard Arnold will leave in December, with board member Patrick Stewart stepping in temporarily. Jean-Claude Blanc, who oversees Ineos' sporting profile, is tipped to replace Arnold permanently.
Ratcliffe is intent on 'drastically improving' United's football operations, and his willingness to seek Ferguson's counsel is likely to reassure fans dissatisfied with the current regime under the Glazer family.
