Man United eyeing Atletico director Andrea Berta

According to The Evening Standard, Manchester United’s director of football search has led them to Atletico Madrid’s Andrea Berta.

Man United’s missed targets

The saga surrounding United’s struggles on the transfer market was one of the talking points of the summer.

As was widely reported, United are said to have tried and failed to sign a number of high-profile targets, including Alex Sandro, Diego Godin, Toby Alderweireld and more.

As such, there has been an inevitable inquest into the club’s failings to attract Jose Mourinho’s first-choice signings by both the media and fans alike since the close of the transfer window last month.

Both the pulling power of the Red Devils and the negotiation skills of the club’s higher-ups have been called into question.

Help incoming for Ed Woodward and co.

United executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward is currently the man tasked with negotiating and securing signings for the Old Trafford-outfit.

However, a report from the Independent last month revealed that the Manchester giants were on the lookout for a new body to add to the club’s transfer team.

This hunt would see a director of football arrive at Old Trafford.

United do not currently have a director of football on their books, but the Independent suggested that Jose Mourinho’s previous reluctance to work under such an individual had softened of late, no doubt due to the lack of additions to his squad this summer.

Atletico chief targeted

And, as per the aforementioned update from the Standard, a prime target has today been identified by United.

The individual in question is Atletico Madrid director Andrea Berta.

Berta has been part of Los Colchoneros’ setup since 2013, but only actually took over as director last year.

However, he has been heavily involved in much of the club’s superb recent business.

The Italian played a key role in the signings of all of Antoine Griezmann, Jan Oblak and Diego Costa.

Berta has actually been linked with Manchester United before, with Jose Mourinho reportedly a keen admirer of his talents.

And, with the addition of a high-profile director of football now said to be a priority in Manchester, Berta has once again been added to the list of targets for the Red Devils today.

United’s alternatives

Berta is far from the only individual being taken into consideration by United, though.

The English powerhouse are also said to have identified Juventus supremo Fabio Paratici and RB Leipzig’s Paul Mitchell as potential additions to the club’s board.

The latter actually has previous experience in the Premier League, having worked for both Tottenham and Southampton in the past.

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