Man Utd get major Dan Ashworth boost despite leaving Newcastle chief 'irritated'

Newcastle are bracing themselves for the departure of Dan Ashworth – even though the relentless speculation linking him with Manchester United has left him ‘irritated’.

Ashworth joined Newcastle as sporting director back in February 2022 and is highly regarded in the game after excelling in previous posts at Brighton and The Football Association.

It has already been established that the 52-year-old has emerged as a top target for United, who are looking to reshape their football operations following Ineos’ acquisition of a minority stake in the club.

A new report from The Telegraph has detailed the latest on the situation, including concerns inside the Newcastle hierarchy that Ashworth has been unsettled by speculation. And while Newcastle are likely to seek assurances from Ashworth over his commitment to the club, it remains to be seen whether he will provide them.

Furthermore, the report goes on to outline that the situation is likely to reach a climax in the coming days, with some within the club already ‘braced’ for Ashworth’s departure.

While Ashworth has been far from enamoured with the constant stream of speculation touting him for a similar role at Manchester United, it’s understood that the opportunity to work for a club of the stature of Manchester United would appeal to him, as would the opportunity to work closer to his home in the West Midlands.

Various other names have also been touted as candidates to take up a sporting director role at Old Trafford in recent months, including Michael Edwards – formerly of Liverpool – and Paul Mitchell.

Join the debate! Would Ashworth be a good appointment for Man Utd? Let us know here.

Prospective Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is still awaiting formal ratification of his £1.25billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in the club, however, it was confirmed on Tuesday that he has passed the Premier League’s owners and directors test.

The Premier League confirmed the development themselves in a statement which read: “Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s acquisition of 25 per cent of Manchester United FC, and further investment of $300 million in the club, has been approved by the Premier League Board following the completion of the Owners’ and Directors’ Test (OADT).

“The Board agreed to the change of the club’s ownership structure last week, and this has now been officially ratified by an Independent Oversight Panel. The Premier League’s Owners’ Charter has also been signed.

‘This is the first acquisition of Control to be reviewed and approved by a new Independent Oversight Panel following changes to the process which were agreed by Premier League clubs in March 2023. The Premier League now awaits confirmation of the transaction’s completion.”

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