Gary Neville confident Dan Ashworth will give Manchester United a boost with transfers

Gary Neville is confident that Dan Ashworth’s appointment as sporting director will improve Manchester United’s success rate in the transfer market.

Manchester United have failed at recruitment level over the past 10 years and Sir Jim Ratcliffe has hired key figures to help run football operations at the club.

Ashworth, identified as Ineos’ primary target months ago, is joined by Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox in United’s new-look hierarchy. Their job – as a unit – is to build an elite-level football structure.

Former United right-back Neville believes United’s recruitment will change for the better.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Neville said (via Manchester Evening News): “What I am hopeful of is that all of the appointments that have been made in and around Erik ten Hag… obviously a new CEO, Dan Ashworth, who I think does bring composure. I think he also deserves a mention in respect of the performances of this England team over the last few years.

“He was one of the key people in building the foundations of this new England look. You won’t get another situation, I don’t think, with Dan Ashworth there and the other people whereby United are panicking in the transfer window and shooting from the hip like they have done in years gone by.

“I think it will be quite measured. I think if they can’t get who they want, they won’t buy anyone. I think they will make sure they’re quite focused and precise in what they do moving forward.

“That should give Erik ten Hag more stability and better advice around him and more experience which hopefully will help him.”

Ashworth and Ten Hag in agreement over Maguire

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Reports this morning suggest Ashworth and Erik ten Hag agree that it’s time to cash in on Harry Maguire.

Maguire, who was an important squad member last season, is likely to be pushed down the pecking order with United targeting centre-backs this summer.

It’s crucial that the manager and sporting director can work together productively. At least they can agree on Maguire which is a good starting point as far as their working relationship is concerned.

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