In the upcoming weeks, Manchester United is expected to seek the appointment of a new director of football, with a current Premier League official reportedly at the top of the list, as reported by Fabrizio Romano.

Man United’s window for January

The Red Devils’ lack of activity during the winter window should not be shocking considering remarks made in December by John Murtough, the current director of football.

In terms of the January transfer window, we do not anticipate it being extremely busy. Deals outside of the team are always an option, especially when it comes to providing opportunities for players who aren’t getting the football playing time they want.

“Yet, we have consistently stated that January is not the best time to conduct business, and our recruitment approach is still centred around summer windows.”

As a matter of fact, United and Erik ten Hag did not make any additions in January, preferring to concentrate on a number of departures. Jadon Sancho, Donny van de Beek, and Hannibal Majbri were among the players that left the team on loan. Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are now planning to carry out the remainder of their business in the summer.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe of Manchester United and Casemiro of the Premier League
With the announcement that Omar Berrada, the chief operating officer of Manchester City, will take over for Richard Arnold, the shake-up at Old Trafford is already underway. It appears that one individual will take over for Murtough as director of football.

Romano divulges the “plan” of Man United’s director of football.

Romano stated that the “plan” is to bring in Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth in the upcoming weeks during his daily briefing, which was carried out over the past 48 hours and was attributed to One Football.

“We are aware that Man United needs a new director of football, and our goal is to try and sign Dan Ashworth within the next few weeks.”

The 52-year-old has already been connected to a move to Old Trafford; in December of last year, sources stated that the Newcastle player was “very keen” on joining the Red Devils. At the time, he was listed as the club’s primary target, and it doesn’t appear that has changed.

Gary Neville is a big fan of Ashworth; earlier in the season, the Red Devils icon posted on X about a conversation he had with the Newcastle player before the Magpies defeated the Newcastle team 3-0 at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup.

I ran into Dan Ashworth last night while heading up to the gantry. He changed the FA’s organisational structure, helped Brighton achieve this amazing run of success, and is currently laying a solid basis for Newcastle’s new owners. He is capable, extremely qualified, and well-versed in his field.

Will collaborate calmly and logically with his coach, the recruiting staff, and other departments. Manchester United has faced two teams in the past two games that have established strong football departments to help the team both on and off the field. United is the exact opposite. Our sporting director is absent! When Mike Ashley had sucked the life and vigour out of Newcastle’s magnificent fans, I used to travel up there and feel bad for them. Observing it hurt.

We witnessed the Theatre of Dreams change into the Theatre of Nothing last night. Every United supporter is uninterested and uninspired. The players on the pitch are in disbelief, the performances are appalling, and we are witnessing a manager struggle. We’ve had enough; we’ve seen this movie before and know how it ends.