The times are changing at Manchester United
United are believed to be embarking on major restructuring of their football operations and looking to appoint a new director of football in the next year. A report in the Evening Standard claims United have identified a number of targets for the position with Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta currently topping the list.
Although Berta only took up a similar role with Atleti last year, the Italian has played a key role in the Spanish club’s player recruitment department since he arrived from Genoa in 2013. In this time, the club have brought in the likes of French international Antoine Griezmann and Jan Oblak – now regarded one of the best goalkeepers in the world.
United’s underwhelming end to the summer transfer window was well documented and it’s believed executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward, who many blamed for the lack of major arrivals at Old Trafford, is pressing ahead with finding a director of football to work closely with Jose Mourinho, helping with the process of identifying and signing new players.
As was reported several weeks ago, Juventus’ Fabio Paratici and Roma’s Monchi are also believed to be under consideration by United, as is RB Leipzig’s Paul Mitchell, who was previously involved with player recruitment at Southampton and Tottenham. Former goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar has also been mentioned as a possibility for the role but recently rubbished claims he is set to return to Manchester from Ajax.
For now, it seems Berta, who was first linked with joining United following Louis van Gaal’s departure two years ago, is the number one priority. The Standard’s report adds that United have already made their interest in him known and are hoping to announce an appointment before the end of the year.
Having brought in Brazilian international Fred, Portuguese full-back Diogo Dalot and reserve goalkeeper Lee Grant prior to the World Cup, United were expected to move for a new central defender in the closing weeks of the summer window. Although heavily linked with Toby Alderweireld, Jerome Boateng and Harry Maguire, United failed to bring in any more signings.
