[ad_1]
Dan Ashworth wants to leave Newcastle to become Manchester United’s inaugural sporting director.
It is understood that the Ineos Group, which now oversees United’s football operations, is so confident in landing Ashworth from Newcastle that they have not explored alternatives for the job as he is their only target.
Newcastle sporting director Ashworth would have to serve a lengthy period of gardening leave before taking over at United. Incoming chief executive Omar Berrada is already on gardening leave, having defected from Manchester City last month.
READ MORE: Dan Ashworth has already told Sir Jim Ratcliffe what he wants to hear
Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford meets Ashworth, who organized a motivational presentation for the former British Cycling and Team Sky boss for Newcastle players during their pre-season tour in Lisbon in 2022.
The Manchester Evening News reported in December that Brailsford had identified Ashworth as its preferred choice to head the club’s new football structure.
EXCLUSIVE: United delays contract decisions ahead of planned changes at Ineos
EXCLUSIVE: United are yet to make a key decision at Old Trafford
United director of football John Murtough could be retained in a more administrative role but sources say it is “in the balance” whether Murtough, who joined United in December 2013, remains under the new power brokers of the club.
Brailsford and Ineos chairman Sir Jim Ratcliffe attended meetings at United’s Carrington training complex and Old Trafford last week and a sporting director is expected to be the next major appointment.
United’s current staff remain “in the dark” over Ineos’ planned structural and personnel changes at the club.
Ratcliffe received regulatory approval from the Premier League for a 25% stake in United and Securities and Exchange Commission filings on Tuesday night confirmed his share acquisition.