Paul Mitchell has already outlined what Manchester United need to make progress amid links

Following Richard Arnold's exit from Manchester United on Wednesday, a changing of the guard is in the offing at Old Trafford.

After 16 years of service at United, Arnold has left his post as chief executive ahead of the Ineos Group's expected arrival. The chemical giant, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, are understood to be on the cusp of wrapping up a deal to secure a 25 per cent stake in the club.

Ratcliffe, as reported by the Manchester Evening News last week, has held virtual meetings with co-chairman Joel Glazer. They are understood to have discussed potential changes to the club's structure, including possible personnel changes, which could result in football director John Murtough also departing.

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With big changes to the current landscape of the off-field structure set to feature high up on Ratcliffe's to-do list, there has been an increase in speculation linking former AS Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell with Old Trafford. Mitchell, 42, has also previously worked at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur, where he served as Head of Recruitment.

Over the years, Mitchell has established himself as something of a recruitment expert, earning global plaudits for his work. Liverpool, according to reports, attempted to lure him to Anfield earlier this year.

With such a blossoming reputation and CV to show off, it is hardly surprising that Ratcliffe, according to a report issued by The Telegraph last month, is 'keen' to install a sporting director at Old Trafford, with Mitchell said to be the 'frontrunner' for the position. Arnold's exit earlier this