Dan Ashworth, the soon-to-be transfer chief for Manchester United, is apparently already supporting one particular move this summer.

Ashworth will play for the Red Devils.

Despite having only recently moved to Old Trafford in December, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has had a busy year. He crossed the line from fierce rivals and current Premier League winners Manchester City by appointing Omar Berrada as the club’s new CEO.

There are now two planned appointments, but that is the only official one. The most intriguing of them is Dan Ashworth, who was thought to be the driving force behind Moises Caicedo, Evan Ferguson, and Kaoru Mitoma, three important Brighton acquisitions in recent seasons.

Man-United, Marcus-Rashford-Hojlund
After being plucked by Newcastle United after their takeover, he has apparently been approached by Manchester United and is expected to join them when the Magpies put him on gardening leave. The only obstacle is the money; it’s rumoured that Newcastle is asking for about £20 million in order to allow him to depart before his contract expires in 2025.

Sir Alex Ferguson is believed to have thrown his support behind the arrival of Crystal Palace Sporting Director Dougie Freedman, another less well-known but possibly equally talented possible newcomer.

dyugie-freedman-premier-league Nottingham Forest
After a decade of suffering in the transfer market, Freedman is reportedly amenable to the move to Manchester, where he would assume the position of head of transfers at Old Trafford and perhaps radically change the way the Red Devils conduct business. However, Ashworth is the one who has begun making plans for the summer transfer window.

Ashworth strives to include a crown jewel.

According to rumours originating from Spain, Ashworth has personally approved Manchester United’s pursuit of Bruno Guimaraes, the star striker from Newcastle, this summer.

Despite being said to be content at St. James’ Park, Guimaraes’ contract apparently contains a release clause worth about £100 million, which is payable in three installments. Guimaraes would certainly suit the Red Devils’ need for a midfield player this summer, but they will face stiff competition to sign him. According to AS, Erik ten Hag’s team is ‘the last contender in the race,’ as Liverpool, Chelsea, and Manchester City have already expressed interest in the Brazilian.

Ashworth is pushing the transaction, though, as the story goes on to say that Ashworth, the former sporting director of Newcastle who is ‘in love with his game,’ supports the move.

Guimaraes vs the midfield of Manchester United in the 2023–2024 Premier League

Casemiro

Mainoo Kobbie

McTominay, Scott

Guimaraes Bruno

Looks

15

14

25

27

Objectives + Help

2.

1.

8

8

Accuracy pass

82.6%

84.7% of the sample

81%

Eighty-four percent

Target shots (per 90)

0.46

0.16

1.04

0.34

Interceptions and tackles (per 90)

4.66

3.01

3.11

3.04

90-minute halftime

1.45

0.98

1.40

1.33

Cards in Yellow

4

3.

1.

9.

If he were to depart, City seems to be his most likely destination. Cityzens manager Pep Guardiola has already shown his affection for the Brazilian, calling him a “exceptional holding midfielder” in the media.

Before his team’s FA Cup quarterfinal matchup with Newcastle, Guardiola told reporters, “He is an exceptional holding midfielder.” “Whether he has the ball or not, he is an aggressive player. He is an aggressive set piece player who, since joining Lyon, has developed into a true holding midfielder for a team that aspires to continue growing. He is undoubtedly involved in the initiative for the upcoming years. Without a doubt.

That endeavour, however, may take far less time than expected because of a release provision in his contract and the admission made by Newcastle CEO Darren Earles that sales will be necessary in order to comply with financial fair play regulations.

Transfer of Paqueta-Bruno-Newcastle Premier League
If there is a battle for his breakthrough, Manchester United is not likely to prevail. With any luck, the Red Devils won’t be able to offer Champions League football the next season, and considering how many new players the team will need this summer, they’re also probably going to baulk at the asking price.

But if Ashworth has his way, Guimaraes might be playing at Old Trafford the next campaign.