Manchester Utd might finally sign a star Ferguson told them to get in 2022
In 2022, Manchester United might finally sign the player Ferguson instructed them to sign.
Dan Ashworth was a highly regarded director who joined Premier League rivals Newcastle back in 2022 after being recommended by Sir Alex Ferguson to Manchester United.
Dan Ashworth is “likely” to take over as sporting director at Old Trafford after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completes his 25% takeover, which will no doubt have delighted the famous Manchester United manager (Daily Mail).
Manchester United eyeing Newcastle director
Ashworth, The Athletic add, was reluctant to hold talks with the Red Devils at the time. Less than keen on a role that would have left him answering to John Murtough. Ironically enough, the former could now replace the latter. The Mail report that Ashworth, if he can be lured away from Newcastle, will take over from Murtough as United’s football director.
The long-serving Murtough could still be kept on from Ratcliffe, albeit in a different role.
The INEOS owner’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford, meanwhile, is understood to be a huge fan of Ashworth. The i News believe that he is Brailsford’s ‘dream’ appointment.
Dan Ashworth admired at Old Trafford
Ashworth is renowned not only for instilling a clear, coherent structure behind the scenes but also for his eye for a bargain in the transfer market. Brighton and Newcastle snapped up the likes of Moises Caicedo, Leandro Trossard, Sven Botman, Tino Livramento, Antony Gordon and Kaoru Mitoma during his time at The Amex and St James’ Park respectively.
Ashworth also has a good relationship with Florin Manea, the agent who represents the Manchester United-linked central defender Radu Dragusin. The £25 million-rated Romania international is expected to leave Genoa in 2024. Manea has held talks with Newcastle United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur.
The appointment of Ashworth, however, could give the Red Devils the edge in pursuit of one of Europe’s best young defenders.