Sir Dave Brailsford has dream Man Utd appointment in mind

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Manchester United are seeking a new sporting director and Ineos still hope to bring Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth to Old Trafford.

Christmas is nearly here and United fans are still waiting for a much-awaited gift.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still in the process of finalising his investment into Manchester United with an announcement still to come.

Ratcliffe will be purchasing 25% of United but is expected to seize control of football operations at Old Trafford.

Sir Dave Brailsford is a close ally of Ratcliffe and is expected to hold an important role at United having visited Carrington last month.

Sir Dave Brailsford hasn’t given up hope of landing Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth

Former cycling guru Brailsford current works as director of sport for Ineos, meaning he holds a key position overseeing OGC Nice.

Brailsford will have a prominent voice in shaping Ratcliffe’s plan, which includes the arrival of a new sporting director.

Former Monaco man Paul Mitchell is a prime target but Brailsford has another name in mind – Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth.

iNews report Ashworth is the dream appointment for United and Brailsford is driving the interest.

It’s even stated that Ashworth and Brailsford are ‘long-standing’ friends, with United potentially drawing on that personal connection.

Newcastle will fight to keep Ashworth and it’s believed that he is happy to remain at St James’ Park.

United aren’t giving up hope and a move for Ashworth would certainly bring an ambitious start to the Ratcliffe era.

Ashworth would be a huge addition for Manchester United

Ashworth has been one of the most highly-regarded operators in football for a while now.

Previously the director of elite development for The FA, Ashworth became Brighton and Hove Albion technical director in 2018.

Ashworth set the Seagulls on their way to becoming the club they are today, overseeing their famed excellence in recruitment.

The 52-year-old headed to Newcastle United in 2022 and has now helped the Magpies snap up the likes of Sven Botman, Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.

Gary Neville tweeted his admiration for Ashworth just last month, hailing him as ‘competent, highly qualified and knows what he’s doing’.

United need that kind of influence and Ashworth would be simply ideal to finally bring some coherence to the club’s off-field business – but whether Brailsford can tempt him remains to be seen.