Manchester United are reportedly considering initiating formal discussions with Newcastle United regarding interest in recruiting Dan Ashworth as sporting director.
Ashworth is the primary choice for Sir Jim Ratcliffe to lead the new football operation. While Ashworth is receptive to the prospect, Newcastle expects substantial compensation for his services.
If a deal is agreed, it would be another significant move by Ineos, whose 25% ownership of Manchester United is set to be confirmed early next week.
Ashworth currently works for Newcastle United but the lure of United is said to be too much and he’s keen on making the move. It is understood Ashworth is keen on a move to Old Trafford, having established a relationship with Brailsford during his time in a previous role at the Football Association (FA).
In addition to Brailsford and Jean Claude Blanc taking seats on the football club board, they have also come together with the Glazer family to bring Omar Berrada in from Manchester City as their new chief executive.
Berrada is currently on gardening leave and is due to take up his role in the summer.
Ashworth is also likely to have to serve a period of leave, as was the case when he left Brighton before joining Newcastle in 2022.
The 52-year-old has a reputation for being one of the best football directors in the game and was credited with England’s phenomenal success at the youth level in 2017 when they won both the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups.
He then helped to shape Brighton’s rise to the Premier League through the appointment of Graham Potter as manager after Chris Hughton was sacked.
Ashworth is likely to be given significant power at Manchester United.
