Manchester United are targeting a key Athletic Bilbao player, raising concerns

As Manchester United continue their search for a new sporting director, Athletic Bilbao's Mikel González has emerged as a leading candidate.

The Red Devils have been on the lookout for a replacement for Dan Ashworth since his departure in early 2024. González, known for his astute eye for talent and his role in developing Athletic's youth academy, has caught the attention of the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Why Mikel González?

Several factors make González an attractive candidate for the Manchester United job:

• Youth development: Athletic Bilbao is renowned for its youth academy, and González has played a pivotal role in nurturing young talent. This aligns with United's desire to build a team based on homegrown players.
• Financial prudence: Athletic Bilbao operate on a unique model, relying on Basque players and avoiding significant transfer spending. This aligns with United's recent push for financial sustainability.
• Football philosophy: González's football philosophy, which emphasizes possession-based football and developing young talent, is seen as a good fit for Manchester United's long-term vision.

Challenges and opportunities

While González is seen as an ideal candidate, there are challenges that need to be overcome. Athletic Bilbao may be reluctant to lose such a key figure in their organization. Additionally, the Premier League is a very different environment to La Liga, and González may need time to adapt to the demands of English football.

However, the opportunity to work at one of the world's biggest clubs is likely to be tempting for González. Manchester United offer him the chance to work with a larger budget and a more global reach.

What next for Manchester United?

The coming months will be crucial for Manchester United as they look to finalize their plans for the future. The appointment of a new sporting director is a major decision, and the club will be keen to get it right.