Manchester United have drawn a line through Paul Mitchell's name as a contender for their technical director's post.

The Daily Mail says United have decided to appoint their first director of football in time for next season after a patchy record in player recruitment following Sir Alex Ferguson's retirement in 2013.

One name who has been regularly linked with the director of football post, former Southampton and Spurs head of recruitment Mitchell, is not a contender despite having previously worked with Mauricio Pochettino.

United consider Mitchell's transfer record at White Hart Lane to be mixed and don't see his relationship with Pochettino as close enough to have any positive or negative bearing on whether the Argentine would want to come to Old Trafford.