Dan Ashworth, the sports director of Newcastle United, is Manchester United’s top choice for the same position at Old Trafford.
According to David Ornstein of The Athletic, Manchester United has made Dan Ashworth, the sports director of Newcastle United, their top choice to fill the same position at Old Trafford.
The Premier League has approved Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s minority takeover of the Red Devils, allowing the English billionaire to assume leadership of the team’s football operations.
With possible changes on the horizon, Man Utd head coach Erik ten Hag will feel pressure to qualify for the Champions League before the 2024–2025 season.
It is anticipated that John Murtough, Old Trafford’s current football director, will soon step down from his position.
Man Utd giving Ashworth’s hiring priority
Ashworth is now having a great time working at Newcastle.
There will probably be a number of changes at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch, following Ratcliffe’s minority ownership at Manchester United. A number of former members of the administration have already departed from the Manchester giants; in January, Omar Berrada took over as CEO from Richard Arnold.
Newcastle is preparing for Ashworth’s exit, which has aroused Manchester United’s attention, according to Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards. For several days, senior officials at St. James’ Park have been getting ready for the 52-year-old’s departure. In order to release Ashworth from his present contract in the North East, United would have to pay a multi-million-pound compensation settlement.
It is also possible that the former FA director may not be able to start at Manchester United until 2025 due to the requirement of taking a long gardening leave. According to Ashworth’s close associates, he is content at Newcastle and is concentrated on the difficulties the Tyneside team has moving forward.
Edwards is right, and Ornstein has confirmed that Man Utd is pursuing the former head of Brighton & Hove Albion. In addition, the journalist notes that Ashworth and Manchester United have not struck a transfer agreement, although he is regarded as a keen talent scout and would be important to United’s recruitment strategy.
“Man Utd make Dan Ashworth top target for sporting director. Not agreed + no approach to Newcastle yet but anticipated + situation expected to develop rapidly. Complicated by being contracted to #NUFC, but 52yo said to be open to move.”
