Man Utd warned over culture change after Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth moves
Former Manchester United striker Dimitar Berbatov doesn't expect an immediate improvement from the club despite their impressive behind-the-scenes moves.
United have been busy since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment was confirmed in December, even if they weren't active in the transfer market in January. Omar Berrada has been appointed as CEO after time with City Football Group, while Dan Ashworth could be next.
Newcastle sporting director Ashworth is expected to agree a deal to move to Old Trafford, with the Tyneside club reportedly eyeing up Michael Edwards as a potential replacement. Ashworth, previously of Brighton, could be installed ahead of what is expected to be a pivotal summer transfer window for United.
Before then, Erik ten Hag's side have a chance to seal European qualification for next season after a slow start to the current campaign. A lot has changed at the club since Berbatov left in 2012, though, and he believes it could take time to turn things around.
"United nicked Man City’s COO and now they want to nick Newcastle’s sporting director," Berbatov told Betfair. "They’re trying to strengthen their boardroom.
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"Obviously when you know which type of people can help the club at a director level, you identify them and try to sign them. Of course, you hope they’ll change the culture to get the right decision most of the time.
"Will that be the case with Dan Ashworth possibly coming in? We’ll see. It’s a difficult process. It won’t happen overnight. But it shows that United know they need to strengthen, not only on the pitch, but also at boardroom level, so the whole machine of United can get better like it was in the past."
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United have already poached Omar Berrada from City Football Group (PA)Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was asked about Ashworth in his press conference ahead of the team's Premier League meeting with Bournemouth. He confirmed the chief is familiar with the Magpies' summer transfer plans, expressing worry over what a move to a rival might mean going forward.
“Yes [he knows the plans], and that’s why I say he’s in a position of power, with a lot of intelligence and information," Howe said. "That’s why it’s a slightly unusual situation. At some stage there has to be a line drawn and things have to move forward. It’s not my decision. I’m not in control of it.
"When you are in that role you need longevity to see the fruits of your labour," he added. "The people who have done it best have had a period of stability. Change takes a while to get processes as you want to be. Dan has had a relatively short period here. Football moves on very quickly and I say that regarding manager positions, too.
“We will work in an efficient way and we have capable people here in all departments and we will carry on smoothly. There has to be a succession plan for everyone, players managers you name the position. There is a strategy from the board above who since they came have run the club very well.”
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