Manchester United Set to Secure Ashworth Appointment as Newcastle Concedes Defeat
Manchester United is on the verge of securing the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, according to reports. Ashworth, who is currently with Newcastle United, is the top target of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently had his 25% stake in Manchester United ratified by the Premier League.
Newcastle is concerned about the possibility of Ashworth leaving the club, as they had appointed him as their director of football in February 2022. However, it seems that he may be making his way to Old Trafford soon. Ashworth had served a period of gardening leave before officially joining Newcastle in the summer, and during his time there, he has made some impressive signings.
One of Ashworth’s notable signings at Newcastle is Anthony Gordon, who was brought in from Everton in January 2023. Gordon has had a fantastic season and has proven to be a valuable addition to the team. In addition to Gordon, Ashworth has also been instrumental in securing deals for players such as Alexander Isak, Sandro Tonali, Tino Livramento, Harvey Barnes, and Lewis Hall.
Livramento, in particular, has shown great potential as a left or right-back, while Tonali impressed in the Premier League until he was banned for illegal betting on football. Barnes has faced some injury setbacks but has shown glimpses of his quality. Overall, Ashworth’s ability to identify and secure top talents has been evident during his time at Newcastle.
Prior to his stint at Newcastle, Ashworth had established himself as a highly regarded figure in the football world. He began his career as an academy manager at Peterborough before becoming West Bromwich Albion’s sporting director in 2007. In 2013, he was recruited by the FA and worked with Roy Hodgson and Gareth Southgate to build a strong football structure.
Ashworth’s success continued at Brighton, where he implemented an effective recruitment system before leaving for Newcastle. His ability to create structures within clubs has been widely acknowledged, making him an attractive option for Manchester United. The club’s interest in Ashworth was first reported by talkSPORT in December 2023, and with Ratcliffe’s stake in the club now confirmed, it is expected that negotiations will intensify.
For Ratcliffe, a lifelong Manchester United fan, the appointment of Ashworth is a crucial step in implementing his plans for the club. Ashworth’s wealth of experience and track record make him a valuable asset to the team. As it stands, Newcastle may have to search for another sporting director to lead their new era, as it seems increasingly likely that Ashworth will be joining Manchester United in the near future.
In conclusion, Manchester United is poised to secure the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director. Ashworth’s success at Newcastle, as well as his previous achievements at clubs like Brighton, West Bromwich Albion, and the FA, make him an ideal candidate for the role. With Ratcliffe’s stake in the club now confirmed, negotiations are expected to progress quickly. Meanwhile, Newcastle is preparing for Ashworth’s departure and will need to find a replacement to guide their new era.