MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed a deal with Newcastle to bring in Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.
The Red Devils have been chasing the Magpies executive for months and now they appear to have finally got their man.
According to Atléticothe deal has now been sanctioned – more than four months after he was placed on gardening leave by Newcastle.
The 53-year-old is said to be ready to take up his role at Old Trafford immediately.
His arrival ends a long saga as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to reshape the group at Man Utd.
The Athletic reported in April that Ashworth was planning to take Newcaslte to arbitration to force a deal.
While Man Utd were reportedly willing to pay his legal fees to lure him to Manchester.
However, with the deal now sanctioned by the Tyneside outfit, this is no longer necessary.
It is not yet known how much compensation Man Utd paid for Ashworth’s services, but it was previously claimed the Magpies were holding out for a fee in the region of £20 million.
Ashworth is highly rated in his role and has held director roles at a number of top clubs.
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Notably, he was the England national team’s development director from 2013 to 2018.
Before switching to club football in 2019, joining Brighton as technical director during a successful period for the Seagulls.
He left the south coast and headed north to join Newcastle in 2022, leading the Saudi revolution as sporting director for just under two years.
Ashworth will have overall responsibility for football performance, recruitment and operations at Man Utd.
New technical director Jason Wilcox, who joined the 20-times Premier League champions in April, will report to Ashworth.
The pair aren’t the only new faces in Ratcliffe’s new look either.
Former Manchester City chief executive Omar Berrada is expected to arrive at the club later this month.
Uncertainty still clouds the most important position at Old Trafford – the manager.
Erik ten Hag will continue as manager of the Manchester giants despite long-running speculation over the Dutchman’s departure.
But talks continue over a new deal for the 54-year-old, whose current contract expires at the end of next season.
A new coaching team could also come in to help Ten Hag, who has led United to two trophies in as many seasons since his appointment.
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