Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly lining up a number of candidates to rebuild Manchester United’s recruitment team, including Newcastle United chief Dan Ashworth once his buy-in deal is complete.
Some reports are suggesting that Ratcliffe’s deal could be complete before Christmas, which we can only hope is true, so long as he is able to bring positive change to Old Trafford on and off the pitch.
It’s a hard ask with the Glazers still having majority control, but it sounds like the Ineos billionaire views this as an attempt to get his foot in the door. Hopefully it eventually means the end of the Glazers, who have owned United for over 18-years.
However, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has commented on ongoing speculation linking the well-respected Dan Ashworth with a mid-season move to Old Trafford. It is also believed that he is a close friend of Sir Dave Brailsford, who will be challenged with rebuilding United’s sporting operations along with Ratcliffe.
Howe told reporters, as per The Mirror: “I’ve got no doubt that Dan is here for the long term but it’s probably a question for Dan rather than me. Of course I’ve spoken to Dan but not necessarily about that. It’s very difficult to comment on speculation, whether that be a player or someone in Dan’s position.
“I think whenever someone is in the role of importance that Dan is, hugely important and he’s done a really good job in helping us in loads of different ways, building departments, the training ground, he’s connected with everything that goes on in terms of the decision making at the football club. He’s hugely important and has been a really calming influence behind the scenes, his vast experience has really helped.”
Ashworth is one of the many candidates being linked with a role at United under Ratcliffe, but Ratcliffe has given Newcastle fans some reassurance that their chief is going nowhere.
Another candidate being touted with a move to United is former Southampton and Tottenham head of recruitment, Paul Mitchell, who recently left his role at AS Monaco in France. He has since returned to live in Manchester.
Another report from The Athletic claims Sir Alex Ferguson recommended an approach for Ashworth in 2022, but he was reluctant to hold talks with the Reds at the time.
Ashworth wasn’t keen on a role that would see him answering to John Murtough.
The question now is could Ratcliffe convince Ashworth to jump ship and maybe replace Murtough?
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