The Italian currently works for La Liga giants Atletico Madrid

Mendes is keen for United to allow Andrea Berta to come in as director

Super-agent Jorge Mendes was architect behind the big-money deal

Jose Mourinho was announced as new Manchester United boss on Friday

Jorge Mendes could still try to convince Manchester United to allow Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta to join Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford.

Berta is close to Mendes, the super-agent who travelled to England on Tuesday to conclude contract talks between Mourinho and United.

It remains to be seen whether Ed Woodward, the club's executive vice-chairman, would consider creating a position for a director of football, given their resistance in reshuffling so far.

Super-agent Jorge Mendes is keen for Manchester United to bring in Andrea Berta as director of football

It would take a significant change in structure at Old Trafford and Berta, a former banker, has long been linked with the job.

Woodward is an expert at expanding United's global appeal but there is a feeling he could do with help on football matters, such as transfers.

WHO IS ANDREA BERTA? Andrea Berta is a former banker with a growing reputation in the football world. He has held scouting roles at AC Carpenedolo and Parma in his native Italy before moving to Atletico Madrid, where he became a director. At Atletico, he has worked closely with manager Diego Simeone throughout the club's recent success. He has played a key role in identifying targets, brokering transfers and contract negotiations. Advertisement

Louis van Gaal was sacked on Monday and left in anger, despite agreeing to a £5.4million compensation package.

The 64-year-old was unhappy that his finest hour at United – winning the FA Cup – was undermined by news that Mourinho would be replacing him this week.

Van Gaal blamed Woodward for the PR own goal and Mendes could argue a designated director of football would handle such situations better.

Berta, previously of Parma and Genoa, is a key figure at Atletico and works closely with Diego Simeone. During his time in Madrid, the club won La Liga for the first time in 17 years.

Insiders say Mendes would still like to involve Berta, though there are fears in Manchester that such a move could hand the agent too much power.

Louis van Gaal was sacked as United manager, despite winning the FA Cup, due to a poor league finish