18 December 2023 , 22:33
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe has identified Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth as his primary target for a similar role at Manchester United, it has been claimed.
The Ineos chief, 71, will assume control of sporting operations at Old Trafford once his £1.25billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in the club is ratified in the coming weeks. And it has already been highlighted that sourcing a new sporting director to overhaul the club's recruitment strategy is one of the top items on his agenda.
A whole host of names have been linked with United, but it appears as though Ashworth, formerly of Brighton and The Football Association, is the man Ratcliffe has set his sights on.
According to The Sun, Ashworth has emerged as United's top target for the role as Ratcliffe prepares to take charge at Old Trafford. Newcastle have since identified Bournemouth technical director Richard Hughes as a potential replacement for Ashworth.
Ratcliffe is expected to implement changes to United's off-field structure once he is in control at the club and several of the Ineos chief's own people are likely to be handed roles, including his right-hand man, Sir David Brailsford.
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The Telegraph outlined earlier this month that Ratcliffe was set to seek the counsel of Manchester United legend Sir Alex Ferguson before implementing any major changes at the club, including the formal appointment of a sporting director.
Join the debate! Do you think Ashworth would be a good appointment for Man Utd? Let us know here.
Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth is being courted by Manchester United (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)The fact that Ferguson would potentially have a say in who United would pursue for such a role had led some to believe that Dougie Freedman, who currently holds a similar position at Crystal Palace, could be in pole position to become a part of Ratcliffe's new team.
Ferguson is known to be a big advocate of the Scotsman, whose astute record in the transfer market over the past few years at Selhurst Park hasn't gone unnoticed at Ineos. However, it now seems as though Ashworth, rather than Freedman, will be pursued ahead of any summit between Ratcliffe and Ferguson.
It remains to be seen when the formal announcement of Ratcliffe's agreement with the Glazers will take place. After several delays, it had been anticipated that it would come this week, however, further delays could lead to a post-Christmas announcement due to the festive period.