7 months ago
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Dan Ashworth has decided to leave Newcastle United in order to become Manchester United’s first ever Sporting Director.
The 52-year-old joined Newcastle following the Saudi Arabia-backed buyout of the club in 2022.
However, Ashworth had been identified by INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the best candidate in the country to become Manchester United’s inaugural Sporting Director.
Newcastle had hoped to convince Ashworth to stay, but he has an existing relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford.
And the Manchester Evening News say Ashworth has now decided to move to Old Trafford and will accept the Red Devils’ offer.
United are said to be so confident of appointing Ashworth that they haven’t even sounded out other candidates for the role.
Ashworth will have to serve a significant period of gardening leave before taking up his role at Old Trafford.
That’s similar to Omar Berrada, who will join United from Manchester City as the club’s new CEO.
Ratcliffe’s £1.3bn investment in the club was ratified by the Premier League on Tuesday, and is only awaiting FA approval for the deal to go through.
A head of recruitment is expected to follow Ashworth’s appointment.
John Murtough, United’s head of football, could be moved to an administrative role.
However, it’s also possible that the former Everton chief could leave the club entirely.
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