Manchester United have placed one key part of the puzzle in the club’s new structure. More are expected to be added in the weeks ahead.
Omar Berrada was announced as Manchester United’s new chief executive, and he will start work once this season is over.
The appointment of Manchester City’s chief executive is being viewed as a shrewd move, and a sign of just how serious Ineos are when it comes to overhauling Manchester United.
Berrada is set to become a key cog in Ineos’ backroom team, with more appointments expected over the coming weeks, well in time to get organised ahead of the summer transfer window and the 2023/24 season.
READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2024, ins, outs, loan moves
Dan Ashworth top choice for sporting director
Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth has been pointed to as Manchester United’s top choice for the sporting director role, via multiple sources over the past few weeks, including The Mail.
United In Focus were told it is 60/40 Ashworth joins Manchester United, with Newcastle not denying the rumours, via HITC Football’s Transfer Expert Graeme Bailey.
With United since securing Omar Berrada as chief executive, a renewed focus is expected on Ashworth.
Fabrizio Romano has now told The United Stand that United remain set on bringing Ashworth to the club.
He explained: “The feeling in the industry, Manchester United will push again, in the next days, or weeks to make it happen.
“Then we have to see the structure they want to build. If they want Dan Ashworth alone, or if they want to bring him another director like Paul Mitchell.
“I think the face they want for this project is Dan Ashworth, the discussion remains ongoing, we have to see what Newcastle will say.”
Ashworth has a wealth of experience
Newcastle brought Ashworth into the club in 2021 after their takeover, tempting him away from Brighton and Hove Albion. He has also worked at the FA and at West Bromwich Albion.
While Newcastle are a competitive Premier League club who qualified for the Champions League last season, the pulling power at Manchester United is unrivalled. Just asked Omar Berrada, who has walked out on Manchester City for his new role at Old Trafford.
Speaking to BBC Sport earlier this season, Ashworth expressed some frustration regarding the limits he has at Newcastle, which certainly would not be the case at Manchester United.
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 have limitless potential, without the restrictions Ashworth speaks of. And on the pitch, there is so much more that can be accomplished. He appears to be Ineos’s top target – but he won’t be the only option.
Contingency plans will be being explored, and Manchester United certainly won’t hang on forever, especially if Newcastle are particularly obstructive to a deal.
READ MORE: Join the conversation with the United in Focus Whatsapp group
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
