Manchester United’s search for a new sporting director has taken an intriguing turn, with the club reportedly expressing genuine interest in Athletic Bilbao’s Mikel González. The 37-year-old, who has earned a stellar reputation for his work in the Basque club’s unique and highly effective recruitment system, has emerged as a potential candidate to fill the void left by Dan Ashworth’s departure. However, securing González’s services will not be straightforward, as Athletic Bilbao remain confident of retaining their prized executive.
A New Vision Under INEOS
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS assumed partial ownership of Manchester United, the club has been on a mission to overhaul its football operations. The aim is to create a modern, data-driven structure capable of competing with Europe’s elite. Ashworth’s appointment as sporting director was seen as a key step in this process, but his tenure lasted just five months before he departed, leaving United in need of a new leader to spearhead their recruitment and development strategies.
Enter Mikel González, a rising star in the world of football administration. Currently serving as Athletic Bilbao’s sporting director, González has been instrumental in shaping the club’s success despite operating under the unique constraint of only signing players born in the Basque Country or those who learned their football at Basque clubs. This policy, known as cantera, has forced Bilbao to rely heavily on youth development and astute scouting—a challenge González has embraced with remarkable success.
González’s Impressive Track Record
González’s journey at Athletic Bilbao began in the club’s development department, where he honed his skills in identifying and nurturing young talent. His promotion to sporting director in 2022 marked the start of a new era for the club, with González overseeing all football programs, including the first team and the renowned Lezama training centre. His responsibilities extend to squad planning, loan deals, and the implementation of a long-term strategy for player development.
Under González’s leadership, Athletic Bilbao have continued to punch above their weight in La Liga, consistently competing for European places while maintaining a strong identity rooted in local talent. His ability to balance immediate first-team needs with a focus on youth development has made him one of the most respected figures in Spanish football.
The Challenge of Luring González to Old Trafford
Despite United’s interest, Athletic Bilbao are confident of retaining their sporting director. The Basque club’s unique culture and González’s deep connection to the region make it a challenging proposition to lure him away. However, the allure of working at one of the world’s biggest clubs, with the resources and ambition to match, could prove tempting for the 37-year-old.
If United are unable to secure González, they may turn their attention to other high-profile candidates from Spain. Andrea Berta of Atlético Madrid and Juni Calafat of Real Madrid are two of the most respected operators in European football, with proven track records of identifying and acquiring top talent. Both would bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Old Trafford, helping to address the recruitment issues that have plagued the club in recent years.
Another potential option is Paris Saint-Germain’s Luis Campos, a renowned sporting director with a reputation for building successful teams on a budget. Campos, who has previously worked with Ratcliffe at Nice, could see the United job as an opportunity to prove his mettle in the Premier League.
A Crucial Appointment for United’s Future
The appointment of a new sporting director is a pivotal moment in United’s ongoing transformation. With INEOS at the helm, the club is determined to move away from the reactive and often chaotic recruitment strategies of the past. Instead, the focus is on building a sustainable model that prioritises long-term success over short-term fixes.
Mikel González embodies the kind of forward-thinking, data-driven approach that United are seeking. His success at Athletic Bilbao, achieved under unique constraints, demonstrates his ability to identify and develop talent while maintaining a clear vision for the future. Whether United can convince him to leave the Basque Country remains to be seen, but his inclusion on their shortlist is a clear indication of the club’s ambition.
Looking Ahead
As United continue their search for a new sporting director, the stakes could not be higher. The right appointment could lay the foundation for a new era of success, while the wrong choice could set the club back even further. Mikel González represents an exciting option, but he is far from the only candidate capable of transforming United’s fortunes.
For now, the focus remains on identifying the best person for the job – a leader who can unite the club’s vision with its resources and restore Manchester United to its rightful place among football’s elite. Whether that person is González, Berta, Calafat, or someone else entirely, one thing is certain: the next sporting director will play a crucial role in shaping the future of this historic club.
