According to transfer journalist David Ornstein, Manchester United have set their sights on Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth ahead of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s plans to reform the club’s backroom staff.
The British Billionaire’s minority stake offer has been accepted by the English Premier League and he is now set to acquire 25% stake in Man United.
Hence, it is not surprising to see Ratcliffe making changes to the club as the boyhood fan aims to push the club back to its former glory days.
As per Ornstein, the INEOS cheif wants to rope in Magpies’ director Ashworth. However, there has been no official approach made by the club at this stage.
How important is Dan Ashworth to Manchester United?
United have struggled to sign a quality player since former manager, Sir Alex Ferguson left the club in 2013. Since then, the club have made several high-profile mistakes while targeting new players.
Splashing million in signing a player who has not delivered on the pitch, has been a major talking point in the past decade. The former West Brom and Brighton & Hove Albion director has done a commendable job off the field and his work has done all the talking in the past few years.
🚨 Manchester United have been working on Dan Ashworth appointment for weeks and he's always been the top target for INEOS.#MUFC set for formal approach after initial talks in positive direction… but it will depend on Newcastle.#NUFC and Ashworth to discuss about it soon. pic.twitter.com/Ovwy2R2FEo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 14, 2024
After helping the Seagulls reach the European competitions, Ashworth joined Newcastle United in 2022. The sporting director had a major role to play in their bid to finish in the top four.
The Magpies’ recent transfer signings are also a perfect example of their well-executed movements in the transfer window. The Red Devils have splashed £1.4 billion since 2013, as per Sky Sports. However, they have lifted only four titles over these years, not to forget their miserable time in the transfer market.
Hence, it makes perfect sense to get an experienced director on board which could also be Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first move to win over the fans.
Dan Ashworth’s top five signings in the past few years:
1. Alexis MacAllister: Boca Juniors to Brighton & Hove Albion
2. Moises Caicedo: Independiente del Valle to Brighton
3. Alexander Isak: Real Sociedad to Newcastle United
4. Leandro Trossard: Genk to Brighton
5. Kaoru Mitoma: Kawasaki Frontale to Brighton
