Premier League rival prepared to reject Manchester United approach for director of football

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Manchester United would see any approaches for Newcastle United director of football Dan Ashworth turned down in a big blow for the Red Devils.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is seemingly set to win the race to get his foot in the door at Old Trafford after Sheikh Jassim, Ratcliffe’s biggest rival for the club, pulled out of the race for Manchester United.

As part of Ratcliffe’s plans for the club, it seems a sporting director appointment is high on the list of priorities for the club with Paul Mitchell, formerly of AS Monaco and Michael Edwards, formerly of Liverpool, the names linked so far.

One man who won’t be taking the reins, however, is Dan Ashworth. His current club Newcastle United are set to rebuff any approach for their director of football at St James’ Park.

Ashworth no go

The report from iPaper Sport says that Newcastle will fend off any interest from Old Trafford in Ashworth, who has previously had roles at Brighton & Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion and England.

Ratcliffe is firmly aware of the job at hand and the report goes on to say that the petrochemical billionaire has already done his research about what will be needed at Old Trafford.

Ashworth is one sporting director that Ratcliffe is said to be a huge fan of but any approach would be rebuffed.

Newcastle, under Eddie Howe, no longer view themselves as a stepping-stone club and there is also confidence that Ashworth would turn down the offer as he is keen on carrying on his job on Tyneside.

Work is just beginning

A source from the iPaper has reportedly stated that ‘the takeover process is in the end game’ but this is far from the end, really this is just the beginning as the work needed to make United a challenger again will be crucial.

A sporting director, one with years of experience, will surely be the first requirement. One who can work with Erik ten Hag and is able to oversee all facets of the club is vital.

Paul Mitchell is surely that candidate for United. He is out of work currently and has been linked with the United director of football job before, it seems a match made in heaven.

With Ashworth seemingly not interested, Mitchell has to be the number one target at Old Trafford.