Dan Ashworth is someone Manchester United wants to be their new sporting director, but getting him is proving to be difficult. Newcastle United is requesting a whooping £20 million in compensation from Ashworth, who is under contract until the summer of 2026, but the Red Devils are unwilling to pay that type of cash. As a result, the 52-year-old and the team have come to a standstill even though they have already agreed on terms for the player to relocate to Old Trafford and be placed on gardening leave.

Ashworth, Dan (English)
Early on Monday morning, Fabrizio Romano updated supporters, saying that INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe will “try again” in a new round of negotiations this week. They want him in place “as soon as possible” once he passes through the door.

Remarkably, United has already reached out to possible candidates for Ashworth’s redesigned recruitment team. Though they haven’t made an official offer to the Saints, the 13-time Premier League champions are aware of Southampton’s interest, according to director of football Jason Wilcox.

Man United has contacted the former Liverpool manager.

Significant progress has now been made in relation to a different goal; according to The Mirror, United has contacted Julian Ward about a Manchester gig.

United States Alejandro Garnacho Man
Ward oversaw things as the sporting director at Liverpool, but at United, he would report to Ashworth, and it’s unclear if he would be happy in that capacity. His Anfield allegiances could potentially be a problem, but it’s unclear if it will be taken into account.

Ward would be a good appointment; he is “incredible”.

Ward had to rise through the ranks at Liverpool gradually; he began as a scout, moved on to loan manager, and eventually became assistant sports director under Michael Edwards. Ward was the one who naturally assumed the role of main man after Edwards left the club in 2022.

As part of a gradual transfer of power, he had negotiated the deal for Luis Diaz of Porto. Following four permanent moves in a busy 2022–2023 season (which included a possible club record move for Darwin Nunez of Benfica), he concluded by supervising the discussions for Alexis Mac Allister of Brighton.

Julian Ward Deals in Liverpool (picked)

Participant

Time of year

From, with a signature

Cost

Luis Diaz

21–22

Porto FC

£50 million

Darwin Nunez

22–23

Benfica

£85 million

Calvin Ramsay

22–23

Aberdeen

£6.5 million

Carvalho, Fabio

22–23

Fulham

£7.7 million

Cody Gakpo

22–23

PSV Eindhoven

£44 million

Mac Allister Alexis

23/24

Albion in Brighton and Hove

£35 million

Romano said Ward performed a “incredible” job, therefore Ward should be happy with his work. Thus far this season, Nunez, Gakpo, and Diaz have combined for 67 goals and 36 assists, and Mac Allister has been an important player, starting 95.2% of Premier League games when healthy.

Erik ten Hag should anticipate receiving at least a few players from the Primeira Liga if he decides to join United. After working with the national squad from 2008 to 2010, Ward, who had brief stints at Liverpool, did business with Porto and Benfica, demonstrates that he has a wide range of relationships in Portugal.