Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has responded to Manchester United’s interest in signing sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has stated that the Magpies have yet to get any communication from Manchester United regarding Dan Ashworth.
United want Ashworth to be their first sporting director after successful stints at the Football Association, West Bromwich Albion, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Newcastle. The 52-year-old is currently the sporting director of St James’ Park.
Ashworth is said to be interested in moving to Old Trafford as Ineos moves on with their proposal to overhaul the club’s hierarchy. The chemical company has already hired Omar Berrada from Manchester City to be the club’s new CEO, and they are interested in Southampton’s director of football, Jason Wilcox.
Though United are willing to wait to appoint Ashworth after rejecting Newcastle’s £10 million asking price, there is growing confidence that they will secure their top target. The former Brighton technical director has worked at St James’ Park since June 2022.
When asked what had transpired with Ashworth’s future this week, Howe told the Newcastle Chronicle, “Nothing as far as I’m aware.” Obviously, it has received a lot of attention, which normally indicates that something will happen.
“But as we speak now, we’ve had no contact [from United].”
Though Howe has stated that Newcastle has received no communication from United over Ashworth, he believes it is critical that the club move forward fast if he does make the move to Old Trafford.
“It’s an unusual situation,” Howe explained. “I am used to speculating on players, but this is different. Hopefully there is a swift answer.
“It’s a difficult job when you’re in that position; you need to be there for a long time to see the results of your efforts. People have done their best in the Premier League during an era of stability. It takes a long time to perfect those methods. Lets see what happens.
“Football always moves swiftly, and I mean that in the manager’s position. Newcastle is a massive football club that will continue to operate in an extremely efficient manner. We have some extremely capable people here in various departments, so we continue.
“There needs to be a succession plan. For everyone. There is a strategy on the board above.
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