No plans for United sporting director

Manchester United have no plans to appoint a sporting director to work alongside executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward and new manager Jose Mourinho, Sky Sports News HQ has been told.

It emerged in Spain over the past 48 hours that Sevilla’s highly-regarded sporting director Monchi – real name Ramon Rodriguez Verdejo – is determined to leave the club this summer, with Old Trafford touted as a possible destination.

As well as being linked with Monchi, United were also reportedly looking at Atletico Madrid’s Italian sporting director Andrea Berta, who has worked closely on a number of transfers and contract negotiations with Mourinho’s agent, Jorge Mendes.

However, Sky sources have learned there are no plans in place to make any such appointment at Manchester United, with Mourinho and Woodward set to conduct the club’s business in the transfer market together – with the considerable support of Mendes behind them.

Woodward has been criticised for his handling of United’s recent transfer activity, leading to reports a sporting director would be appointed to add experience in the market to the club’s current management structure.

Sky Sports News HQ reported last month how United ‘hesitated’ over the potential signing of Renato Sanches from Benfica this summer, although United insisted former manager Louis van Gaal vetoed the signing.

Other targets …

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