Newcastle United journalist Craig Hope has given a reason behind why the Geordie club have not denied rumours liking Dan Ashworth to Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos completed their 25 per cent acquisition of Manchester United on Christmas Eve subject to approval from the Premier League and will begin to make their moves for backroom staff moves.
A new director of football as well as a sporting director look to be targeted by the 71-year-old billionaire and his team. Newcastle technical director Dan Ashworth has been the man who has been heavily linked with a move to Old Trafford the most.
Ashworth only joined Newcastle in February of 2022 but has made a major impact on Tyneside which has led to links to Manchester.
Newcastle’s stance on Ashworth
Despite there being consistent links with a move to Old Trafford, Newcastle have not come out and denied these rumours and there have even been reports that a move to Old Trafford was becoming ‘increasingly likely’.
Writing on the Daily Mirror’s Q&A, Craig Hope explained why there has been no denials from those at St James’ Park over the future of the 51-year-old, who has been revolutionary wherever he has ended up.
“In short (on why Newcastle haven’t denied the story), because I believe there is a chance he could yet leave for Manchester United,” Hope revealed.
“Nothing has been said (on or off the record) in an effort to kill the speculation and, if anything, there is increased chatter in football circles of Man United being confident of taking Ashworth as their new sporting director.
“Why would he go? Well, perhaps his level of control and influence at Newcastle isn’t what he thought he might be, while Man United could be promising him the keys to the kingdom.”
Ashworth could be key
Ashworth, as mentioned, has done a superb job at St James’ Park, as well as Brighton & Hove Albion, West Brom and England.
The Englishman has previous experience acting as a conductor for all of the different departments in a football club and this could be exactly what the Red Devils need.
Paul Mitchell, former AS Monaco sporting director, has also been linked and he could be in charge of the transfer department with Ashworth overseeing everything and making sure it works well.
This could be the change that United have been crying out for.
Newcastle already seem braced for Ashworth’s departure with the Geordie side already lining up a replacement for the Englishman, HITC Football understands.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
