Gary Neville has responded to speculation that Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth could be on Manchester United’s radar.
Dan Ashworth appears to be on the radar of the new Old Trafford management.
According to the Daily Mail, Newcastle is hopeful that Ashworth will remain at St James’ Park. If Manchester United decides to sign the 52-year-old, they will expect a large compensation amount.
Gary Neville thinks links between Dan Ashworth and Manchester United will be unnerving Eddie Howe
Gary Neville plainly believes that Ashworth continuing on Tyneside will provide a significant boost to Eddie Howe as the Magpies struggle on the field.
Newcastle have now lost seven of their previous eight games in all competitions, following their loss to Liverpool on Monday. Despite the fact that the club has been battling with a slew of injuries, the majority of Newcastle fans appear to be sticking by Howe.
Newcastle, on the other hand, has already tasted success under its new owners, having qualified for the Champions League last season.
And, speaking on Monday Night Football (Sky Sports; 1/1; 19:07) before the game at Anfield yesterday night, Neville said that if Ashworth ended up at Old Trafford, he would be much more concerned for Howe.
“You mentioned Dan Ashworth, I’ve thought a lot about this in the last couple of weeks,” he told me. “That will frighten Eddie Howe and a lot of people at Newcastle because he’s a very calming presence.” You’d think he’d have a lot of clout with the owners up there. And I believe that if Eddie Howe is to get through this difficult moment, he will need the support of a good sporting director.
“If Dan Ashworth’s head’s been turned, and people at [Manchester] United, the new owners have been getting into him about leaving, I think that could mean a more challenging period for Eddie Howe in these next few months.”
Newcastle boss surely has enough credit in the bank right now
Of course, if Howe had unlimited funds to spend, the situation would be very different.
The new owners have spent money on signings. However, their two big summer signings have yet to come off, with Sandro Tonali suspended until next season and Harvey Barnes sidelined.
Howe still has enough credit in the bank to be given the opportunity to turn their fortunes around. It would be a huge risk to hunt for a replacement considering the manager’s rapport with the fans.
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