Dan Ashworth update - Worrying claims and explanation why Man Utd move may appeal

by Olly Hawkins · 3 January 2024, 13:27

The Mail's Craig Hope has issued an update on ongoing reports linking Dan Ashworth with a potential move to Manchester United, offering some insight behind the lingering rumour that continues to concern Newcastle fans.

He believes Newcastle are yet to pour cold water on reports because 'there is a chance' he leaves for Old Trafford, adding that there is 'increased chatter in football circles' that Man Utd are 'confident' of landing our sporting director.

In addition, Hope suggests that his 'level of control and influence at Newcastle' may not be what he expected, as PIF's 'process-driven' approach means every move must be signed off by our majority owners in Saudi Arabia before it can take place. He insists there's been no fallout, but wonders if this has caused some frustration, coupled with the fact he'd be offered a huge role in overseeing Man Utd's new project under the INEOS group.

When asked, 'Why aren’t NUFC doing anything to quell the media rumours of Dan Ashworth leaving for Man United?' in a Q&A piece for The Mail, Hope had this to say:

'In short, because I believe there is a chance he could yet leave for Manchester United.

'As you say, nothing has been said (on or off the record) in an effort to kill the speculation and, if anything, there is increased chatter in football circles of Man United being confident of taking Ashworth as their new sporting director.

'Why would he go? Well, perhaps his level of control and influence at Newcastle isn’t what he thought he might be, while Man United could be promising him the keys to the kingdom.

'Most of what Newcastle do is ‘process driven’ and must be signed off by PIF, and there is a chance this has caused frustration.

'We have heard nothing to indicate any fallout and Ashworth has always been very professional and impressive when dealing with us, but I wouldn’t be hugely surprised were he to be tempted by an offer from Old Trafford.'

For me, the silence feels deafening. Hopefully nothing comes of it and it's cleared up pretty quickly, but the more this drags on, the more likely it seems he'll depart for Manchester.

https://twitter.com/CraigHope_DM/status/1742522386388226059