Manchester United face a fight to prise Dan Ashworth away from Newcastle and make him their new head of football due to his loyalty to the Tyneside club, though the 52-year-old is attracted by the challenge of transforming United’s fortunes.
Ashworth joined Newcastle two years ago as sporting director and remains committed to the role, as well as feeling a particularly strong bond with the club. While he is understood not to be motivated by money, Ashworth, who has also worked as the Football Association’s director of elite development, fully appreciates United’s status and being part of the project to re-energise the club is of interest to him.
Taking charge of the football department at Old Trafford is one of the few jobs for which Ashworth would consider departing Newcastle. Despite this, he would need assurances from United that he would have the same level of autonomy he enjoys at Newcastle.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s incoming 25% owner, has already shown his intent regarding making United successful again by hiring Omar Berrada as the club’s new chief executive. Berrada was persuaded to depart Manchester City, where he was the chief football operations manager. This has impressed Ashworth and may convince him to also join United.
Ratcliffe’s 25% purchase of United has been ratified by the Football Association after the Premier League did the same on Tuesday, though this will not be made formal until the tender process closes on Friday.
The FA’s ratification was considered a formality once the Premier League had signed off on Ratcliffe. United’s A-share holders have until Friday to refuse the 71-year-old’s offer of $33 (£26) a share. Ratcliffe’s purchase is capped at 25% of A-shares but 36.7% of A-shares have been tendered for sale.
While no stumbling blocks are expected, completion will not necessarily follow immediately after the tender offer closes as there may be further details to finalise.
