Man United could hire 52-year-old one year after Ferguson recommended him for Man Utd.

Manchester United were able to employ the 52-year-old one year after Ferguson suggested he be hired.Sir Alex Ferguson advised Manchester United to sign the highly regarded director Dan Ashworth in

2022, prior to the director’s transfer to Premier League rivals Newcastle.Dan Ashworth is ‘likely’ to become the new sporting director at Old Trafford following the completion of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% takeover, which will have undoubtedly pleased the legendary Manchester United manager (Daily Mail).

As per The Athletic, in 2022, Sir Alex Ferguson allegedly “recommended an approach” for Ashworth, citing the 52-year-old’s contribution to Brighton’s evolution into one of Europe’s most progressive and career-oriented establishments and his influence on Gareth Southgate’s triumphs with the England national team.

Manchester United was reportedly reluctant to engage in negotiations with Newcastle director Ashworth at the time, according to The Athletic. A role that would have required him to report to John Murtough was not to his liking. Surprisingly, the former is currently capable of substituting the latter. The Mail reports that Ashworth will succeed Murtough as United’s football director if he can be enticed away from Newcastle.From Ratcliffe, the long-serving Murtough could still be retained, albeit in a different capacity.

Sir Dave Brailsford, the right-hand man of the INEOS owner, is rumored to be an enormous Ashworth admirer. The i News considers him to be the “dream appointment” of Brailsford.

Admired by Dan Ashworth at Old Trafford

In addition to his ability to establish a lucid and cohesive framework in the background, Ashworth is widely recognized for his astuteness in spotting value in the transfer market. Moises Caicedo, Leandro Trossard, Sven Botman, Tino Livramento, Antony Gordon, and Kaoru Mitoma were among the players acquired by Brighton and Newcastle from St James’ Park and The Amex, respectively, during his tenure.

Additionally, Ashworth maintains a positive rapport with Florin Manea, the agent representing central defender Radu Dragusin, who is linked to Manchester United. It is anticipated that the £25 million-rated Romanian international will depart Genoa in 2024. Liverpool Hotspur, Newcastle United, and Manea have all engaged in discussions.

However, Ashworth’s appointment may provide the Red Devils with an advantage in their pursuit of one of the most promising young defenders in Europe.