Years after Sir Alex Ferguson pushed Richard Arnold to snatch the desired sporting director, Manchester United looks ready to move on Dan Ashworth.
After stints with The Football Association, Brighton, and Newcastle, Ashworth, 52, is considered one of the game’s most shrewd operators. Newcastle enticed Ashworth to St. James’ Park in February 2022.
In recent weeks, he has been strongly linked to a move to United, and now there are rumors that a formal approach is on the way. However, Ashworth has been the subject of previous attempts by United to visit Old Trafford
According to a recent article from The Athletic, before Ashworth moved to Newcastle, Ferguson had already instructed Arnold, the team’s former top executive, to speak with Ashworth. After communication was established and it became apparent that Ashworth would be working under football director John Murtough, it is said that he turned down official conversations.
Since then, Manchester United has seen tremendous transformation; Ineos is now in charge after Sir Jim Ratcliffe agreed to pay the Glazers £1.25 billion for a 25% share in the team he grew up playing for.
The appointment of a sporting director to assist in supervising the club’s recruitment plan is a top priority. The British billionaire and his staff have taken over leadership of all sporting operations.
Ashworth, Paul Mitchell, and former Liverpool transfer chief Michael Edwards were all inevitably connected to the position due to their outstanding Premier League resumes. However, Ashworth appears to be United’s choice.
As The Telegraph reported earlier this week, Ashworth is ‘irritated’ by the incessant barrage of rumors about him, but he would welcome the chance to work at a team of United’s caliber. There have even been rumors that certain Newcastle officials are “braced” for Ashworth’s possible exit.
Since Ratcliffe’s deal with the Glazers was formally revealed on Christmas Eve, United has made considerable efforts to fortify their infrastructure.
Omar Berrada, who was fired by champions Manchester City, is anticipated to take on the post of chief executive before the 2024–2025 season begins. The club have signed Berrada as a new chief executive. Arnold, who quit the team at the beginning of the year, will be replaced by him. In his place, Patrick Stewart has been acting as CEO in an interim capacity.