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 partial acquisition 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 face pressure to qualify for the Champions League before the 2024–2025 season.

It is anticipated that John Murtough, Old Trafford’s current football director, would soon step down from his position.

Man Utd giving Ashworth’s appointment first priority
Ashworth is having a great time at Newcastle right now.
Ratcliffe’s partial takeover at Manchester United is expected to bring about a number of changes at Old Trafford, both on and off the pitch. The Manchester giants have already lost a number of members of the previous regime. In January, Omar Berrada took over as CEO, succeeding Richard Arnold.

Man Utd are interested in Ashworth, who is expected to leave Newcastle, according to a report by Telegraph journalist Luke Edwards. For a few days now, St. James’ Park officials have been getting ready for the 52-year-old’s departure. For United to be able to release Ashworth from his current North East contract, they would need to pay a multi-million pound compensation settlement.

Dan Ashworth
In addition, the former FA director would need to take an extended gardening leave, which may delay his return to Manchester United until 2025. Ashworth is content at Newcastle and is concentrated on the difficulties that lie ahead for the Tyneside team, according to people close to him.

Ornstein has confirmed that Man Utd’s primary objective is the former Brighton & Hove Albion boss, supporting Edwards’ assertion. The reporter also notes that Ashworth and Manchester United have not struck a transfer deal, although he is regarded as a keen talent scout and would be important to United’s recruitment strategy.

The employment of the Newcastle player, dubbed a “boardroom wizard” by ChronicleLive reporter Aaron Stokes, would be a bold move by Ratcliffe, who hopes to convert the 20-time English champions back into a winning machine. Giving the most recent information on X, Ornstein stated:

Dan Ashworth is Man Utd’s top choice for sports director. Not resolved; not yet approached Newcastle; nonetheless, expected; circumstances should quickly worsen. Despite being under contract to the #NUFC, 52-year-old is reportedly open to moving.

What the Man United acquisition implies with Ratcliffe
The Premier League and FA have approved Ratcliffe’s purchase.
Because of his minority stake, Ratcliffe will be able to actively participate in the reforms at Old Trafford. The 71-year-old will be in charge of making all behind-the-scenes football and athletic decisions, including voting on player contracts, transfers, and manager hiring.

Man Utd transactions under the Glazers’ records

Participant

Cost

Pogba Paul (Juventus)

£90 million

Ajax, or Antony

£81 million

Leicester City’s Harry Maguire

£75 million

Jadon Sancho, a member of Dortmund

£73 million

Lukaku Romelu (Everton)

£73 million

Di Maria Angel (Real Madrid)

£64 million

Hojlund Rasmus (Atalanta)

£64 million

Real Madrid player Casemiro

£61 million

Sporting CP’s Bruno Fernandes

£56 million

Chelsea’s Mason Mount

£55 million

As of February 2024, all costs are accurate according to Transfermarkt.

In the meanwhile, should the Glazers choose to sell their interests within the next 12 months, Ratcliffe is purportedly entitled to first dibs on becoming the club’s main owner. INEOS has committed to making investments at Manchester United’s Carrington training centre and Old Trafford, both of which have come under fire for not living up to the high standards set by their Premier League opponents. Ratcliffe also wants to see more money put into the women’s squad and win a fourth European Cup with the Manchester United.