Ineos may make a significant move by enticing Dan Ashworth away from Newcastle to Manchester United. Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment in Manchester United has been officially approved by the Premier League, and the potential addition of Dan Ashworth could further solidify this endorsement.
Reports from the Manchester Evening News two months ago suggested that Ineos favored Ashworth for a sporting director role, considering him the top candidate for the position. It appears increasingly probable that the 52-year-old will join United’s leadership team, marking another notable achievement for the club following the recruitment of Omar Berrada from Manchester City.
Ashworth and Berrada are expected to play pivotal roles in reshaping United’s football operations, with plans to also hire a recruitment specialist to enhance the team further. Ashworth’s primary responsibility would be to streamline all aspects of the club toward the common objective of restoring United’s status as a top global football entity.
However, the potential impact on current staff remains a point of speculation, with Ratcliffe conducting multiple rounds of meetings in Manchester and United representatives visiting his residence in Monaco as part of Ineos’ evaluation of the club.
Manager Erik ten Hag has expressed optimism about working with Ineos, particularly if he succeeds in guiding the team back to Champions League contention by the season’s end. Despite some shortcomings in transfers and notable defeats under Ten Hag’s tenure, there’s a belief that he could excel under the proposed new structure, focusing solely on team management.
Nevertheless, with Ineos likely to initiate significant changes ahead of an important summer, the question of Ten Hag’s future looms. While he has demonstrated potential, Ineos might prioritize guaranteed improvement, emphasizing the importance of aligning the manager’s vision with the club’s long-term goals.
Ashworth’s philosophy, as evidenced by his previous statements, emphasizes the importance of continuity in coaching appointments to ensure alignment with the club’s overarching strategy. Ineos aims for a long-term plan, necessitating a manager committed to their vision.
With the season’s end approaching, scrutiny over the manager’s future intensifies, and Ineos appears prepared to enact changes if necessary. Ten Hag has already surpassed the average tenure of a manager, but his future at United remains uncertain as the club seeks sustained progress.