Newcastle United are reportedly bracing themselves for Manchester United to make a move for transfer chief Dan Ashworth, who has a “strong relationship” with Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sidekick Dave Brailsford.
According to football journalist Ben Jacobs (via GIVEMESPORT), Newcastle United expect fellow Premier League rivals Manchester United to launch a bid to lure sporting director Dan Ashworth away from St James’ Park in January and have contingency plans in place in the form of a potential replacement if the worst happens.
Jacobs told GMS: “Newcastle are braced for Manchester United making an offer for their sporting director Dan Ashworth, even though he said he was happy at the club in November. Ashworth has a strong relationship with INEOS’ Dave Brailsford.
“Nothing is advanced yet, and it’s unclear what terms are in Ashworth’s contract. If an approach is made, and Ashworth was to accept, Manchester United will be hoping there is no prolonged period of gardening leave.
“It differs from contract to contract. Ashworth, for example, couldn’t join Newcastle immediately from Brighton. As it stands, Newcastle are not looking at a replacement, they are only focused on January.
“I think it’s normal in recruitment to have a succession plan should a senior executive leave or be poached, so I don’t think Newcastle will be too concerned just yet, even though they know losing Ashworth—and to a Champions League rival—would be a big blow.”
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group will assume total control of football operations at Manchester United after the English giants finally announced the British billionaire’s purchase of a 25 percent stake in the club worth just over £1 billion.
Reports just a few days ago suggested that United may have a “dream” target in mind to lead their operation. Ratcliffe ally and Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford is understood to be a huge fan and long-time friend of Newcastle’s supremo Ashworth.
It’s suggested that Brailsford would hold out hope of convincing top priority Ashworth even with others, such as ex-Monaco man Paul Mitchell, being in the running as well.
Needless to say, Ashworth is highly coveted in the English football industry and is considered to be one of the best in the business. He has been with Newcastle since February 2022 and has enjoyed plenty of success since being ushered in, while he has also previously worked as a technical director at Brighton and West Bromwich Albion.
In addition to his club work, he has also worked with England, serving as the FA’s director of elite development. The 52-year-old is apparently happy at St James’ Park as they steadily build towards long-term success under their new ownership, and Newcastle are confident of retaining him, but a formal offer from United would test the resolve of both parties.
Losing Ashworth would be a significant blow for Newcastle and their progression, especially with a big January transfer window to look forward to after their recent slump in form on the pitch.
