- Man United are reportedly targeting Newcastle sporting director Ashworth
- Ashworth is open to leaving Newcastle but they are confident of keeping him
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Manchester United have reportedly made Dan Ashworth their top target for their new sporting director – the major hitch being that he currently holds that role at Newcastle.
The Athletic reports that Ashworth is open to joining United and talks are expected to unfold rapidly, although no formal approach has been made.
Ashworth, who used to work for Brighton, is highly rated for his recruitment skills but his contract at Newcastle will make negotiations complicated.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS are trying to implement radical change behind the scenes at Old Trafford, having already poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City to be their CEO.
The Premier League approved Ratcliffe’s 25 per cent buy-out on Tuesday and full ratification is expected next week with FA approval.
Manchester United have reportedly made Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth their top target for the same role at Old Trafford
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wants to revamp Man United’s team behind the scenes as rethink their recruitment strategy
Any revamp would benefit considerably from Ashworth, who brings 24 years of experience from Peterborough, Cambridge, West Brom, the FA, Brighton, and Newcastle.
He was technical director at Brighton from spring 2019, helping to oversee a revolution in the club’s playing style and recruitment with Graham Potter as manager.
Ashworth joined Newcastle after leaving Brighton in June 2022. His departure from the AMEX Stadium saw him put on gardening leave for an extended period of time while Newcastle negotiated his initial move to St James’ Park.
His role at United would see him have a hands-on relationship with player recruitment, as per The Athletic.
Last month, Mail Sport reported that Newcastle were confident they could keep Ashworth, with chief executive Darren Eales emphasising how ‘happy’ he is with the Toon.
Ratcliffe, who completed his £1.3billion buy-out of a 25 per cent stake in the club in December, wants to transform football operations.
That includes using a data-led approach, chasing younger players in the market, and taking a scythe to Erik ten Hag’s influence over transfers.
Director of data science Dominic Jordan, who inaugurated the role in 2022, said he expects his field to be ‘transformational’ for the side.
United’s current boardroom doesn’t boast a sporting director, a decision that has been heavily criticised during a period when the club’s recent recruitment has been scrutinised.
Newcastle were confident last month that they will keep hold of Ashworth, left, but The Athletic reports that he is open to moving
United have already poached Omar Berrada from rivals Manchester City to be their new CEO
Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford’s charm offensive has included meeting players and staff as they look to revolutionise the club
Mail Sport has previously reported that current football director John Murtough will leave the club amid an overhaul to their structure.
He has already made a noticeable effort to connect with players and staff, meeting them at Old Trafford and their Carrington training centre.
Ratcliffe and INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford were pictured meeting manager Ten Hag as well as men’s team striker Rasmus Hojlund and women’s team players Millie Turner, Katie Zelem and Aoife Mannion last month.
Ratcliffe and Brailsford also met women’s team manager Marc Skinner, plus members of the club’s academy sides and performance staff during their visit.
They also went to Old Trafford for meetings with the wider club workforce and held an all-staff meeting as they get down to business at United.
Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
