Manchester United Aims to Recruit Sporting Director, Anticipates Delay in Commencement
Manchester United is making moves to recruit a new sporting director, with former FA chief Dan Ashworth being their top target. However, there may be a delay in Ashworth’s commencement at the club, as Newcastle United, his current team, are bracing themselves for his potential departure. This news comes after Ineos founder Sir Jim Ratcliffe gained approval from the Premier League to acquire a 25% stake in Manchester United.
Ineos, who will now take control of football affairs at the club, have already secured the appointment of Omar Berrada as the new chief executive. Berrada was poached from Manchester City, adding to the rivalry between the two clubs. With Berrada in place, Ineos has turned its attention to finding a sporting director, and it seems they are closing in on an agreement with Ashworth.
According to The Telegraph, Newcastle has been aware of Ashworth’s potential move to Old Trafford for several days. While Manchester United has yet to make an official approach, it is becoming increasingly likely that Ashworth will leave Newcastle. This would be a significant blow to the Magpies and their ambitions of challenging the so-called Big Six.
However, Manchester United will have to pay a multi-million pound compensation settlement to extract Ashworth from his current contract. Additionally, Newcastle will insist that Ashworth sits out a lengthy period of gardening leave, which could prevent him from starting work at United until 2025. Despite this, Newcastle is not giving up hope of convincing Ashworth to stay and will seek assurances from him in the coming days.
Ashworth has played a crucial role in transforming Newcastle both on and off the pitch since the club’s takeover by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund. Despite the speculation linking him to Manchester United, Ashworth has continued to perform his duties as usual and has been involved in long-term transfer window planning.
Interestingly, Ashworth is a friend of Sir Dave Brailsford, the former head of cycling for Team GB, who now holds the role of Director of Sport at Ineos. Brailsford has been overseeing the transition at Manchester United and has been present at several home games since the minority ownership deal was announced. He has also been a regular visitor to Carrington, the club’s training ground.
In conclusion, Manchester United is actively pursuing a new sporting director in the form of Dan Ashworth. While there may be a delay in his commencement due to his current contract and gardening leave requirements, it seems likely that Ashworth will join United in the near future. This move is part of Ineos’ plans to reshape the club and challenge the dominance of the Big Six.