SIR JIM RATCLIFFE and Manchester United face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if the British billionaire buys into the club and takes control of football operations.
Meanwhile, United boss Erik ten Hag has dedicated his side’s 2-1 win away at Sheffield United to the late great Sir Bobby Charlton after the club legend passed away at the age of 86.
The Dutchman said his team “showed our respect” for the legendary 1966 World Cup winner after coming away from Bramall Lane with all three points.
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Neves fee
Man Utd are willing to meet Benfica’s £61m asking price for midfielder Joao Neves.
The Red Devils reportedly see the 19-year-old as the longterm replacement for Casemiro.
He has already represented Portugal at senior level.
Catalan media outlet Nacional claim Utd serious about a move for the youngster.
Competition for Ouedraogo
Man Utd face competition for Assan Ouedraogo from Liverpool, according to reports.
Italian outlet Calciomercato claim the Red Devils are hot on the trail of the highly-rated Schalke midfielder.
The 17-year-old German is highly thought of in his homeland, and a host of European clubs are interested in signing him.
Chelsea were thought to be one, now Liverpool have thrown their hat into the ring.
Battle to land Mitchell
Manchester United are hoping to make Paul Mitchell their next sporting director.
But the ex-Spurs and Southampton chief is also wanted by several Saudi clubs.
Mitchell is a wanted man after leaving Monaco this summer.
And United will be hoping he’s not interested in the riches of the Middle East as they look for a fresh start under Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Pott luck for Devils
Manchester United are reportedly eyeing Graham Potter as their next manager.
The former Chelsea and Brighton boss is appreciated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who will stick by Erik ten Hag for now.
But if the Dutchman fails to improve results and the general atmosphere, Potter could seal a sensational Premier League return with United.
Is this how the Red Devils could look under the English tactician?
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Old Trafford tributes
Fans are still at Old Trafford paying tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Credit: PA Credit: PA Man Utd women pay tribute
Man Utd women paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton before this afternoon’s match against Everton.
Captain Katie Zelem laid down some flowers and both teams observed a minute’s silence.
Credit: Getty Credit: Getty Fans honour legend
Man Utd fans are flooding to Old Trafford to pay their respects to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Man Utd hit with sickness bug
Man Utd women were hit with a sickness bug ahead of today’s match against Everton.
After announcing the team news on social media, United’s admin wrote: “A sickness bug in camp means that several Reds have been ruled out of today’s fixture.”
Key stars Geyse and Leah Galton are among those who have been affected.
More fans arrive at Old Trafford
More fans have arrived at Old Trafford to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Credit: PA Credit: PA Man Utd players to wear black armbands
Man Utd women will wear black armbands when they face Everton this afternoon.
There will also be a minute’s silence in tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Rashford pays tribute
Marcus Rashford has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton with a heartfelt Instagram post.
He wrote: “I signed my first professional contract at Man Utd with Sir Bobby.
“Thank you for all the support and advice that you provided to me. That win was for you and your family.”
Credit: Instagram @marcusrashford Fans gather at Old Trafford
Fans have gathered at Old Trafford this morning to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Credit: AFP Credit: AFP Player ratings
Read SunSport’s player ratings from yesterday’s match here:
‘His impact will live on’
Man Utd defender Raphael Varane has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton on social media.
He tweeted: “My sincerest condolences go out to the family and friends of Sir Bobby Charlton today.
“We as players at this special club stand on the shoulders of giants every day, and Sir Bobby was the biggest of them all. His impact will live on for generations to come.”
‘A great player and even greater man’
Fans have laid flowers outside Old Trafford with messages in honour of Sir Bobby Charlton.
United’s move for sporting director to be hijacked
Man Utd face competition from Saudi Pro League clubs for highly-rated sporting director Paul Mitchell.
The former Tottenham and Southampton chief has been linked with a move to Old Trafford as part of a management shake-up if Sir Jim Ratcliffe buys into the club and takes control of football operations.
But Saudi clubs are also looking at Mitchell as they plan the next phase of their recruitment drive.
The former Manchester City youth player, 42, left Monaco earlier this year and recently moved back to his native North West, fuelling talk that United would be his next port of call.
Mitchell’s record of identifying players with world-class potential like Son Heung-Min, Sadio Mane and Dele Alli, is also attracting attention in Saudi Arabia.
‘A legend and true pillar’
Former Man Utd goalkeeper David De Gea has paid tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
He tweeted: “A legend and true pillar of Manchester United, whenever people think of the club around the world, they think of Sir Bobby Charlton. You will be missed throughout football. RIP.”
Credit: X / @D_DeGea Fans pay tribute at Old Trafford
Football fans gathered outside Old Trafford last night to pay tribute to Sir Bobby Charlton.
Credit: EPA Credit: EPA Credit: PA Erik ten Hag dedicates win to Sir Bobby Charlton
United manager Ten Hag said post-match: “Very sad, our thoughts are with his family, especially his wife, his children and grandchildren.
“What he achieved in football was immense. Also his personality off the pitch. The football world lost a big man.
“We had to show our respect for him and I think we did that today. We wanted to celebrate but also to remember him.
“[The tribute from our fans] was fantastic. We have to pay contribution, pay our big goodbye, remembering Bobby Charlton because what he did was magnificent.
“He was outstanding on the pitch and off it.
“We wanted to remember Sir Bobby and I think we did it in a decent way.”
Casemiro’s return
Erik ten Hag is not unhappy that Casemiro played with an injured ankle for Brazil against Uruguay, but expects him to be fit for the Manchester derby next weekend.
“You can’t – they are the rules,” the Dutchman said.
“And he’s played for his nation and he’s playing for us and we all understand Casemiro is a solider and he is always available for every game, he will always gives his best for nation and Manchester United.
“He was injured in the first game and he came off but he played the second game, it was an important one. I’m sure that game didn’t help him but it’s a small injury and he’ll return next week and he will be healed and ready for our next game, I’m sure.”
Recruitment is key says Souness
Graeme Souness believes that recruitment will be key for Sir Jim Ratcliffe if he is to address Man Utd’s slump.
“They [United] are one of, if not the biggest club in the world. Yet, they have a modest group of players,” the Scot told the Daily Mail.
“Because of that, there is one area Ratcliffe must address with urgency. Recruitment.
“This is the most important thing you have to get right at any club. Man United, since Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill left in 2013, have given a masterclass in how not to do it, and they’ve spent over £1billion in the process.”
Mark of respect
Man Utd’s stars wore black armbands in respect of Bobby Charlton’s passing.
Here is Harry Maguire showing off his after a win against Sheffield United.
Greenwood stops at Burger King
Manchester United loanee Mason Greenwood could be in for a grilling — as he is clocked grabbing a Burger King with his father.
His new coach at Spanish club Getafe, José Bordalás, forbids players from eating junk food.
But Greenwood, 22, and dad Andrew stopped off to collect two Burger King meals after training yesterday in Madrid.
Bordalás says the players are weighed every day and get a fine if they are too hefty.
Greenwood was loaned this summer after charges including attempted rape were dropped.
Ten Hag’s quotes on
Erik ten Hag calls Charlton a “giant” of the game.
A legend, a giant, his achievements are so immense and global… I never had the honour to meet him but what I heard, despite all his trophies and games, he was so humble and a big personality, he’s an example for all of us in society and global wide.”
Ten Hag on Charlton’s passing
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
