Manchester United’s interest in hiring Dan Ashworth has been ongoing, and the club had previously offered him a role at Old Trafford before he joined Newcastle as their Sporting Director. In February 2022, Chief Executive Richard Arnold conducted a thorough review of the club’s protocols and structures, particularly questioning the effectiveness of the £1 billion spent on transfers. Following this review, chief scouts Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout were removed, while key executives John Murtough and Steve Brown remained in their positions.
During the review process, Arnold consulted with Sir Alex Ferguson and David Gill to address systemic issues at the club. Ferguson, a long-time friend of Lawlor, advised scrutinizing Murtough and recommended approaching Ashworth based on his successful work at Brighton and previous roles with West Bromich Albion and the English Football Association.
Arnold informally contacted Ashworth about joining the executive branch at Old Trafford, but Ashworth declined formal talks due to the proposed role structure of working under Murtough. Subsequently, Ashworth accepted the Sporting Director position at Newcastle.
Following Ashworth’s appointment, Newcastle’s successful transfers, including spending around £140 million on players like Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Anthony Gordon, and Alexander Isak, contrasted favorably with United’s previous year’s signings of Antony and Casemiro. Eddie Howe, Newcastle’s manager, publicly acknowledged Ashworth’s influential role in the club’s success.
At Brighton, Ashworth’s influence continues to yield positive results, evident in the substantial profit margin from the sale of players Alexis Mac Allister and Moises Caicedo.
Regarding United’s recent recruitment, the article highlights the struggle to maintain or increase a player’s market value while at Old Trafford. The case of Caicedo, scouted by United but ultimately signed by Brighton under Ashworth’s guidance, exemplifies the difference in approach.
The article concludes with the impending minority stake ownership bid by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, suggesting a potential change in the club’s leadership. Regardless of the outcome, sources close to the deal indicate the appointment of a new sporting director and transfer specialist. Ashworth is seen as a front-runner for the director’s role due to his connection with Sir Dave Brailsford and positive impressions made on Ratcliffe.
However, Ashworth’s current contract with Newcastle poses a financial obstacle, as he has twelve months remaining on a £1.5 million-a-year deal without a set release clause. Despite the potential cost, the article argues that securing the right person at the helm of the football operation would be a worthwhile investment for United, given their history of significant spending on recruitment.
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