Dan Ashworth responds to reports linking him with the director of football role at Man United

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Dan Ashworth has responded to reports he is being lined up by Manchester United to be the club’s sporting director.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are set to acquire a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club and invest a further £245 million into stadium renovations according to Sky News.

The current director of football at Newcastle United Dan Ashworth was tipped for a role at Old Trafford but, according to the iPaper, Newcastle have warned off the Red Devils from making their move.

Now, Ashworth has spoken about the links to Old Trafford and his future with the Magpies.

Ashworth on future

Speaking to The Athletic about his future with the Toon, it seems Ashworth has given the clearest indication yet that he will not make the switch from Newcastle to Manchester United.

“The same situation as Eddie (Howe), I think,” says Ashworth. “I’m really happy, it’s a brilliant city, club and project. I’m thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge.”

Gary Neville caused a stir on X when he posted about Ashworth and how much he would improve the structure at Old Trafford.

“I literally saw Gary when walking into the directors’ box and he was going down the tunnel. I shouted ‘hello’ and that was it. I didn’t have a conversation with Gary,” Ashworth says. “He’s written some very kind things; thank you, Gary.”

United’s restructuring

When Ratcliffe eventually does acquire a 25 per cent stake in the club, fans should get excited as the 71-year-old and Ineos have a huge amount of prior experience in building sports teams.

French side OGC Nice, for example, currently sits at the top of Ligue 1 and are doing superbly well. Paul Mitchell has already been earmarked for a role at the Manchester club, which would be an exciting appointment, but there is some reticence about handing him the job according to The Telegraph.

Ashworth would be a credible man to rebuild at Old Trafford. The 52-year-old has previous experience at Brighton & Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion, England and Newcastle United – he would be the ideal candidate.

However, a move seems incredibly unlikely as things stand. As long as Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford look for the best-in-class director of football for the role, whether it’s Ashworth or somebody else, then United will improve their off-field activities tenfold.