Dan Ashworth comments have already revealed why he would see Man Utd as upgrade on Newcastle

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Manchester United are reportedly looking to hire Dan Ashworth from Newcastle as the club’s new football director.

Dan Ashworth is ‘increasingly likely’ to make the move from Newcastle to Manchester United, the Mail report.

Ashworth is being sought after as part of the Ineos dream team, headed up by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, also involving Jean Claude Blanc as CEO, advisor Dave Brailsford, and potentially Paul Mitchell too.

It had seemed Ashworth would be a tough target to acquire, given that he is working for a rival at Newcastle who have huge financial backing. But the reports suggest he is heading in Manchester United’s direction.

Why Dan Ashworth would see Manchester United as tempting

According to The Sun, Newcastle are already looking for replacements for Ashworth, a hint he could be Old Trafford-bound.

We can all have our own opinions why Ashworth would be tempted to join Manchester United, the prestige, the history, and perhaps a personal connection to Brailsworth will help too, but he has already explained what the Red Devils can offer that Newcastle cannot.

Speaking to BBC Sport earlier this season, Ashworth said he believes there is still a limit on what Newcastle can achieve off the pitch, at least, because they are not as internationally recognisable as Manchester United and other top clubs.

He explained: “What’s really difficult is to be able to compete commercially as well. Some of those clubs have been a global brand for decades. That’s one of the big challenges for Peter (Silverstone), Darren (Eales) and the team as well.

“We’ve all got to try and work together to try and get ourselves into a situation where not only are we a top-six club on the pitch, but also a top-six club off the pitch.

“To really try and drive the revenues and interest in the club as well, which gives us more ammunition in order to be able to compete on the pitch.”

Manchester United can offer commercial power

Manchester United certainly hold a commercial advantage over Newcastle, ranked as the fourth most recognisable brand in the world.

This has been the area the Glazers have cared about, rather than on-pitch matters. The problem has been that United have lacked the football know-how behind the scenes to use it to their advantage since David Gill left.

Dan Ashworth previously worked alongside Gill for The FA, before spells at Brighton and then Newcastle, and he can be the football expert Manchester United desperately need.

Ashworth’s comments suggest he knows there are revenue-generating opportunities unavailable at Newcastle, which can be utilised at Manchester United.

His comments are an insight into why the Red Devils may be able to tempt him away, despite Newcastle’s competitiveness on the pitch.