Manchester United are trying to finalise a deal that will see Dan Ashworth become sporting director.
It wasn’t a role the club took seriously in previous years under the Glazer’s preferred model of ownership – which for too many years resulted in a banker, like Ed Woodward, running a football club and making key decisions.
There was some change in 2021 when John Murtough was made football director, but the responsibilities were not the same as a sporting director at other top clubs.
Former United right-back and captain Gary Neville has often ranted about it being a mixture of ‘negligence’ that a club of our size had never appointed a figure with experience in this role.
Finally, it looks like United have found their man. The next step is appointing him.
Ashworth has already informed Newcastle of his intentions and they have reacted by placing him on gardening leave until compensation terms are ironed out. United have since made a formal approach to Newcastle, with negotiations soon set to take place on the matter.
Meanwhile, former United defender Rio Ferdinand has backed Ashworth to be a major success at Old Trafford once the deal materialises.
Speaking on Five via YouTube, Ferdinand said: “If I had my choice to take a sporting director it would have been him.
“I think he’s the best. He’s so calm, he’s so sure on what he’s doing. He’s so focused, he’s diligent, he knows the market.
“He’s not swayed, I don’t think he gets bullied by agents, stuff like that. He knows the market value of players.
“He ain’t getting told this player’s worth 50 but for you it’s 75. It ain’t happening, we’ll just move on to other targets then.”
Let us know how you feel about the potential arrival of Ashworth at United. It will come as a huge loss to Newcastle.
Hopefully United can get a deal done before the summer transfer window because Ashworth will need time to familiarise himself in his new surroundings at Old Trafford, Carrington and maybe beyond.
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