Man United 'hire LA-based recruitment firm to scout top talent' as Red Devils look to rival Man City and Chelsea in finding new players as they 'fear they are falling behind in the transfer market'

Manchester United has enlisted the services of the American recruitment firm Pace, based in Los Angeles, to identify a new talent scout for emerging players. 

The decision comes as the club feel they are lacking in their scouting department, particularly in comparison to Premier League rivals Manchester City and Chelsea, according to The Sun. 

The change to using an external agency for talent acquisition, rather than an in-house department is a shift away from United's traditional methods. 

The interview process has also changed, with candidates being assessed through computer-based interviews, rather than conventional face-to-face interviews. 

This strategic move follows Sir Jim Ratcliffe's growing influence at United, marked by the departure of the club's chief executive, Richard Arnold. 

Ratcliffe, the Ineos supremo, is poised to acquire a 25 per cent stake in Manchester United for £1.3 billion from the Glazer family.

Following Arnold's departure, former Juventus chief executive Jean-Claude Blanc, currently Ineos' Sport CEO, is emerging as a frontrunner for the vacant position.

Blanc collaborates closely with Sir Dave Brailsford, the Ineos director of sport and British cycling strategist, who has reportedly been a frequent visitor to United's Carrington HQ in anticipation of Ratcliffe's impending deal.

Dougie Freedman, the sporting director at Crystal Palace, is also under consideration for a role at United, particularly as Ratcliffe prepares to assume control of sporting operations at Old Trafford. 

Freedman's track record at Palace, facilitating notable signings such as Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Joachim Andersen, Marc Guehi, and Cheick Doucoure, adds weight to his candidacy.