Following months of prolonged negotiations, Manchester United have got their man in Dan Ashworth.
The 20-times English Champions have agreed a compensation package with Newcastle, sealing the appointment of their new sporting director.
Transfer mogul David Ornstein confirmed the news earlier this morning, delivering further positivity to the Old Trafford faithful.
A battle to get their man
The clubs had been in talks for months since Sir Jim Ratcliffe identified the former Norwich City academy prospect as his number-one target for the role.
Following nearly five months of gardening leave, the former FA chief is to be confirmed imminently following a breakthrough in negotiations.
Ashworth arrived in Newcastle in 2022 – with the ideals of spearheading an exciting new project. But the Magpies were left frustrated by their Premier League rival’s pursuit.
Such was the nature of tension within the club that the former Brighton whizz had threatened to take his employer to arbitration to resolve the dispute – with United happy to support his legal costs.
However, following this morning’s news, the 53-year-old is set to commence his new sporting role within Ratcliffe’s revolution with immediate effect.
What can we expect from Ashworth in the North West?
First and foremost, he will assume total control over recruitment, operations and football performance in Manchester.
While Ashworth will report directly to Sir Dave Brailsford, the newly-acquired Jason Wilcox will articulate his advice directly to him.
The former West Bromich Albion youth team assistant joins a catalogue of the finest backroom appointments in the league, with Omar Berrada set to commence his duties later this month.
As Sporting director, he is considered the elite option for the Ineos rebuild.
His vision at the International stage has often been credited for the success of England’s U17 and U20 World Cup wins in 2017.
As days pass by regarding potential summer recruitment, Erik ten Hag will be chomping to get to work with this new-look team.
The Dutchman had a notable relationship with a backroom team of Edwin van der Sar and Marc Overmars at Ajax, with the benefits of defined roles ultimately reaping rewards on the playing field.
The Old Trafford faithful remains apprehensive following two decades of mismanagement under the Glazer’s thumb.
But this morning’s news goes a long way to solidifying a profitable future for the club – one which is truly deserved.
How do you feel about the arrival of Ashworth? Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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