Manchester United have made a number of changes under Ineos but one potential appointment has finally been ruled out.
Ineos really focused on bringing in big hitters behind the scenes to try and take Manchester United back to the top.
Omar Berrada was plucked from Manchester City as the club’s new CEO whilst Jason Wilcox and Dan Ashworth took on key roles.
Ashworth departed in December though with the former Newcastle United man making a shock exit just months after his arrival.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe seemingly accepted pretty quickly that United just didn’t get that move right.
Ashworth has been linked with Arsenal since leaving United and his departure has now ruled out a possible United arrival.
Manchester United appointment ruled out
United were leaving no stone unturned over the summer and considering hiring a new loan manager.
Reports back in July suggested that United were looking to bring Michael Appleton back to the club.
Salford-born Appleton started his playing career in the United youth ranks before going on to shine for Preston North End and West Bromwich Albion.
Appleton’s career was cut short by injury but he carved out a career as a coach and then a manager.
The rumours of him managing United’s loan deals died down and the move appeared to be off, but returned again in October – three months after the initial rumour.
Appleton was spotted alongside Ashworth as United’s Under-21’s faced Hertha Berlin as the move appeared to be back on.
However, the Daily Mail’s Chris Wheeler now claims that Appleton’s return has been completely ruled out due to Ashworth’s exit.
The connection to Ashworth was key as Appleton worked with him at West Bromwich Albion and a reunion was touted.
Three months on from the sighting of Ashworth and Appleton, this on-off move appears to be off again.
This will be a disappointment for the boyhood United fan but certainly adds up with Ashworth gone.
Michael Appleton chasing new opportunity
Wheeler adds that Appleton is now chasing other opportunities with his United move now off the table.
Appleton wants to get back into management and will now pursue such opportunities having managed seven clubs in the FFL.
The former midfielder has taken charge of Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn Rovers, Oxford United, Lincoln City, Blackpool and, most recently, Charlton Athletic.
Appleton did great work at Oxford and Lincoln but was sacked by Blackpool and Charlton.
EFL clubs will surely have an interest in Appleton and it would not be a surprise to see him ask for some loan signings from United whenever he lands a new job.
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