Manchester United continue to be linked with a raid on Newcastle for sporting director Dan Ashworth.
New investors Ineos are hard at work to try and set up a winning backroom team to try and provide a platform for success.
In addition to a new CEO, expected to be Jean-Claude Blanc, Manchester United want to hire a sporting director, with Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth a key target.
Ashworth has previously worked for the FA, West Bromwich Albion and Brighton, before his role at Newcastle.
He made comments earlier this season which hinted how he could see a move to Manchester United as an upgrade.
Fabrizio Romano says Ineos will push for Ashworth
The MEN are among many to report Manchester United’s interest in Dan Ashworth, and there have been no public denials from Newcastle, or hands-off warnings.
Speaking to The United Stand, transfer insider Fabrizio Romano says new investors Ineos will do all they can to get the deal done. He said he would put his money on the deal happening.
He said: “Dan Ashworth is the name they have at the top of their list. They really appreciate him, they believe he could be perfect for the Manchester United job.
“It’s not going to be an easy one but if I had to spend my money today, I would go with Dan Ashworth because Manchester United really, really, like him and Ineos will push to make it happen.”
Ashworth has good relations with Sir Dave Brailsford, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s key advisor, and this could prove significant in the club’s pursuit of him.
Neville backed Ashworth
Dan Ashworth was namechecked by Gary Neville last year as an ideal potential leader for Manchester United to target.
He wrote on X after United’s defeat to Newcastle in the Carabao Cup: “On my way up to the gantry last night, I bumped into Dan Ashworth.He transformed the FA’s structure, set Brighton up for this incredible period of success and has now built a strong foundation for the new owners at Newcastle.
“He’s competent, highly qualified and knows what he’s doing. (Ashworth) will work with his coach, recruitment team and other departments coherently and calmly.
“Manchester United have played clubs that have installed proper football departments to support the team on the pitch and off it. The complete opposite of United.”
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