Newcastle United latest stance on Dan Ashworth amid United links

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Newcastle United are ‘hopeful’ that Dan Ashworth will turn down Manchester United and remain at St James’ Park.

That’s according to Newcastle United’s CEO Darren Eales who has been speaking this week about the future of the Englishman who has been heavily linked with a move to Manchester United.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos are awaiting the Premier League’s approval over their 25 per cent acquisition of the Red Devils and if they get this approval, the successful sporting team wants to bring in a technical director and a sporting director.

Dan Ashworth and Paul Mitchell are the two men who have been consistently linked with these roles the most with the former Brighton & Hove Albion technical director in particular being touted for a big role at the club.

Eales on Ashworth’s future

Speaking to The Mirror, Eales believes that Ashworth is happy on Tyneside and is ‘hopeful’ that the 51-year-old will remain at the Geordie side.

“So obviously Dan [Ashworth] has spoken on the record recently about being happy in the project. We go back to our days at West Bromwich Albion where we worked together,” Eales said.

“Dan’s done a great job, there’s a lot more work to be done and we’re hopeful he’s here for the long term. He’s certainly enjoying his time at the moment.”

Ashworth has been asked about his future previously and stated, back in November: “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.”

Ashworth’s vital role

John Murtough was appointed United’s first sporting director back in 2021 and the hope was that he could turn things around and help fix the transfer problems that have plagued the club since 2013.

However, this has not proven to be the case and Murtough is under serious pressure and you wonder if he will last for the remainder of the season once Ineos are given the keys to Old Trafford.

Having someone with years of footballing experience like Ashworth as the technical director could well be key for the Red Devils and appointing the Englishman could be the biggest decision Ineos could make in the short-term.