Manchester United have been working on the appointment of Dan Ashworth as the club’s new sporting director ‘for weeks’ and have held positive talks.
Ashworth is the leading target for new investors INEOS to take over as sporting director at Old Trafford, after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent purchase of the Red Devils for £1.03 billion received Premier League approval.
The 52-year-old has impressed during roles at Brighton and Newcastle, with Ashworth a driving force in the successful recruitment model of the former before his move to St James’ Park in 2022.
Fabrizio Romano is reporting that Manchester United are set to make a formal approach to Newcastle in a bid to secure Ashworth, following initial talks with the Magpies’ chief about the prospect of moving to Manchester.
Newcastle are determined to keep Ashworth at the club, though there are fears that he will be tempted to join a new era at United.
The Red Devils are restructuring their hierarchy and have appointed Omar Berrada as chief executive. Berrarda – the chief football operations officer for City Football Group and Manchester City – has been placed on gardening leave at the Etihad before his cross-town move to the club’s city rivals in the summer.
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