Man Utd to make formal Dan Ashworth approach following positive talks - reports
- Man Utd searching for new sporting director following INEOS' arrival
- Newcastle's Dan Ashworth identified as 'top target'
- Red Devils to make approach to Magpies in near future with Ashworth keen on move
By Sean Walsh
Manchester United will make a formal approach to Newcastle United regarding sporting director Dan Ashworth in the near future, according to several reports.
United are in the midst of a restructuring behind the scenes following INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe's agreement to purchase a 25% stake in the club. The deal was ratified by the Premier League on Tuesday and all formalities to allow their onboarding could be complete by next week.
As part of their grand vision for the Red Devils, INEOS want to appoint a new sporting director and it appears they are pushing ahead with a move to secure their 'top target'.
Fabrizio Romano reports United have been working for weeks on appointing Newcastle's Ashworth, who previously had experience with Brighton & Hove Albion and in the England national team setup. United will now make a formal approach to acquire Ashworth but his exit will depend on Newcastle.
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The Magpies are set to hold talks with Ashworth about his future in the coming days, but the Manchester Evening News add he has his heart set on joining United. He would, however, have to serve a 'lengthy spell' of gardening leave before being officially allowed to move to Old Trafford.
Ashworth is well known to INEOS sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford having arranged for the cycling guru to give a motivational speech to Newcastle players back in the summer of 2022.
United's current football director, John Murtough, could be kept on at the club in a different capacity, but there is also a chance he is let go as part of club restructuring.
Other candidates to have been linked with the sporting director job at United include former Liverpool chief Julian Ward, AC Milan legend Paolo Maldini and ex-Monaco director Paul Mitchell.
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