Manchester United’s pursuit of Newcastle United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth has received a significant boost, according to reports.
Football Insider reveals that Ashworth has indicated his intention to depart Newcastle, stating ‘I’m going’, following an approach from the Red Devils. Widely regarded as one of English football’s top recruiters, Ashworth’s potential move has garnered attention.
Having assumed the role of sporting director at Newcastle in May 2022, Ashworth boasts previous experience in similar capacities at Brighton & Hove Albion and with England’s national team as Director of Development.
As part of the transition process, Ashworth will observe an extensive period of gardening leave before officially joining Manchester United. This approach mirrors the current arrangement of incoming CEO Omar Berrada at Manchester City.
Ashworth is set to join a revamped recruitment team orchestrated by the club’s minority owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe, and INEOS. The Football Association has recently greenlit the British billionaire’s acquisition of a 25% stake in the historic Old Trafford club.
INEOS is anticipated to instigate changes in Manchester United’s leadership structure, with current sporting director John Murtough expected to depart. Murtough, who assumed the role in March 2021, appears poised to follow former chief executive Richard Arnold out of Old Trafford.
Ashworth’s tenure at Newcastle has been lauded for his instrumental role in bolstering Eddie Howe’s squad, propelling them into contention for a top-four finish. Everton’s director of football, Kevin Thelwell, hailed Ashworth as the country’s premier director of football.
“He is the best director of football this country has produced,” remarked Thelwell (via mufcMPB).
Under Ashworth’s guidance, Newcastle’s acquisitions have included standout players such as Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Bruno Guimaraes, and Anthony Gordon. His impact has extended beyond Newcastle, having played a pivotal role in the recruitment strategies at Brighton, facilitating signings like Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo in previous years.
