Dan Ashworth reportedly wants to quit Newcastle United and take a position as Manchester United’s next sporting director, according to latest remarks made by manager Eddie Howe.
In an attempt to shake up the team, Ashworth is being strongly linked to a move to the Red Devils to join Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group. The Englishman is now the front-runner to become the new sporting director at Old Trafford.
According to transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, Ashworth has already agreed to accept Manchester United’s offer. They are prepared to bargain and provide Newcastle compensation.
Despite their reluctance to accept Newcastle’s £10 million asking price, United are willing to wait to appoint Ashworth, and there is increasing optimism that they will land their main target. Since June 2022, the former technical director of Brighton has been employed at St James’ Park.
When asked this week what has transpired with Ashworth’s future, Howe answered, as reported by the Newcastle Chronicle:
“Nothing as far as I’m aware. Obviously it’s been in the news a lot and usually with these things that means something is going to happen.
“But as we speak now, we’ve had no contact [from United].”
Howe feels it’s important that the team moves on fast if Ashworth does decide to transfer to Old Trafford, even though he has maintained Newcastle have not heard from United regarding Ashworth.
“It’s an unusual situation,” Howe continued. “I’m used to speculation around players but this is different. Hopefully there’s a quick solution.
“It’s a difficult one when you’re in that role, you need longevity to actually see the fruits of your labour. People have done it best in the Premier League with a period of stability. It takes a long time to get those processes right. Let’s see what happens.
“Football always moves on very quickly and I say that regarding the manager’s position. Newcastle is a huge football club and will continue to work in a very efficient way. We’ve got some very capable people here, in all departments, so we carry on.
“There has to be a succession plan. For everyone. There is a strategy from the board above.”
United have been active in making changes in the backroom staff. After the appointment of Omar Berrada, who United managed to steal from rivals Manchester City, the Red Devils are prepared to appoint Dan Ashworth as the sporting director and Jason Wilcox from Southampton, who woud report back to the sporting director.
Among the players whose careers Wilcox advanced at City during his nearly ten years there were Cole Palmer, Rico Lewis, and Phil Foden.
