Manchester United are reportedly set to make a ‘formal approach’ for Newcastle United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the INEOS Group continue to assemble their new executive team.
The club have been linked to the likes of ex-Liverpool recruiter Julian Ward, Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman and most heavily Paul Mitchell, who has worked at Southampton, Spurs, RB Leipzig and more, but Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth now appears to be the frontrunner.
As per The Athletic, the leading candidate has now told the Magpies of United’s interest and although there is yet to have been any contact between the two teams thus far, a formal approach is expected to come soon.
ln fact, the word from Fabrizio Romano is that Ashworth has apparently already personally agreed to the move, it’s just a case of the North East club greenlighting it and setting their terms.
🚨 Dan Ashworth has already said yes to Manchester United. He's prepared to accept their proposal as it's considered big opportunity & project.
Understand Man United are intentioned to negotiate and pay compensation to Newcastle; they absolutely want Ashworth now, not in 2025. pic.twitter.com/Ka2pHQzFnh
As explained in multiple reports, the main hurdle the Red Devils now face is how much it’s going to cost them, with Newcastle understood to be after significant compensation if Ashworth is to depart.
ADVERTISEMENT
The 52-year-old only arrived at the club a couple of years ago, not long after the Saudi takeover and the start of their own rebuild, and given their recent progress not only in recruitment but on the pitch as a result, they are obviously keen to keep him on board as they continue their resurgence.
Having already helped develop the player recruitment structure as well as investing in attracting more youth talent on Tyneside, his reputation at Newcastle and prior is a glowing one.
ADVERTISEMENT
It is this pedigree, combined with the other highlights on his CV that has seen Ashworth jump to the top of Ratcliffe’s list, with the UK billionaire and his right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford said to want him in place and ready to help overhaul in time for the transfer window rather than wait until next summer.
🗣️ "I think it's a real determination from INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe to get the best in class"
The Back Pages Tonight panel on reports that Man Utd are closing in on hiring Dan Ashworth as their sporting director 🔴📰 pic.twitter.com/GymQr2kvwq
Who is Dan Ashworth and why do Man United want him?
Before his role at Newcastle, started out his youth career as a footballer at Norwich and eventually went on to get his first job as a sporting and technical director at West Brom in 2007.
He then went on to join the FA as their director of elite development in 2012 and played a key role in the success of both the men’s and women’s national teams throughout the age groups and beyond, with several of England’s youth teams having gone on to win silverware.
ADVERTISEMENT
It was in 2019 that he became technical director at Brighton, whose recruitment strategy has been heavily praised over the past few years, before eventually leaving in February 2022 after being headhunted by Newcastle to become their new sporting director.
Both teams have picked up some very good players and introduced some promising young talent in recent seasons, so United will be hoping for similar success at Old Trafford. Fans can also expect Ashworth to create better communication and relationships throughout the club’s infrastructure.
🎙 Our interview with #NUFC's newly appointed sporting director, Dan Ashworth is now available to watch in full on YouTube.
Once again, no official approach has been made as yet but is thought things could move quite quickly once an offer is made and United’s board are clearly keen to make things happen soon.
The impressive bit of poaching is also thought to have played into Ashworth’s own decision to say yes according to The Guardian, and if approved, Manchester United could have a whole host of new faces at the helm in a relatively short space of time.
Jack Grealish dedicates first league goal in 16 months to late brother on anniversary of his death
Danny Jones
Manchester City star Jack Grealish held back the tears following his first Premier League goal in more than 16 months, but not in relief after breaking the duck, because it came on a very emotional day for him and his family.
The Man City and England midfielder opened the scoring in the Blues’ 2-0 win against Leicester City on Wednesday night, bringing an end to his goal drought after a total of 473 days.
But what made it even more special is that the game happened to coincide with the anniversary of his late brother Keelan’s death.
Speaking in his post-match interview after picking up the man of the match award, Grealish was in a noticeably quieter mood than his usual charismatic self before revealing that the day marked the 25th anniversary of his younger sibling’s death.
Jack Grealish dedicates his goal to his late brother on the 25th anniversary of his death ❤️ pic.twitter.com/u3toaqZSuR
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) April 2, 2025
The 29-year-old went on to reveal that the date coincided with Keelan’s passing and acknowledged that it’s “hard on the family but [I’m] happy to score”.
His mum and dad, Karen and Kevin, were up in the stands; it doesn’t need explaining why scoring in that particular moment was so special for all of them.
Clearly stirred by addressing what was a bittersweet occasion, he signed off by adding, “To score and to win was brilliant.”
Keelan Daniel Grealish was just nine months old when he tragically passed away from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) back in 2000 – ‘Super Jack’ was just four at the time.
Paying tribute on social media after the game, the comments below his post were filled with love and support.
Besides the goal itself, the former Aston Villa star was keen to reiterate that he was never brought to the club to score bags of goals and “has a lot more to offer” than just hitting the back of the net.
Touching on his Grealish’s game and the tribute to Keelan during his post-match duties, manager Pep Guardiola went on to add: “Jack is an incredible human being; in terms of gestures and for the other people, he’s incredibly generous.
“I didn’t know that [it was the anniversary of his brother’s death]. I can’t imagine how tough it could be for mum, dad, sister, and all the family. It’s good on this day to remember him, I’m pretty sure they remember every single day.”
A lovely moment from a much-loved character around the Eithad Stadium as well as up and down the country. Rest in peace, Keelan.
You can watch the highlights from the game down below:
Three more points on the board for City and a big moment for the Brummy-born midfielder.
Featured Images — Sky Sports (screenshots via YouTube)
Sport
Marc Skinner signs new contract to keep him at Manchester United until 2027
Danny Jones
Manchester United Women manager Marc Skinner has signed off on a new deal with the Red Devils, accepting a contract that will see him stay at the club until at least 2027.
Approaching half a decade in charge of Man United’s women’s team, Marc Skinner has now committed his future to the side which helped the club to a historic male and female FA Cup double and qualified for Champions League for the first time.
Confirmed via social media on Wednesday, 2 April, the club shared the news that the 42-year-old has put pen to paper on a new two-year contract with an option to extend for a further 12 months.
His side is also currently third in the WSL, and although Chelsea remain the perennial favourites, they are continuing to push harder for the title each season following their second-placed finish in 22/23.
Speaking on the new deal, Brummy-born Skinner wrote: “It has been an absolute privilege to serve as head coach for this fantastic football club for the past four years, and I am delighted to be extending my time in the role for at least a further two years.
“We’re building a young, hungry team with the aim of challenging consistently for further trophies. There is still more hard work ahead, including this season, but the players and staff have already shown their determination to succeed, and I’m looking forward to us taking the next steps in our journey together.”
The former Birmingham and Orlando Pride head coach has been a somewhat divisive figure around Leigh Sports Village and Old Trafford during his tenure in recent years, with some vocal supporters even calling ‘Skinner Out’ last year.
He was ultimately kept on following the 4-0 thrashing of Spurs in the Women’s FA Cup, but many fans are still unhappy with the amount of progress made under him.
In addition to a lack of silverware throughout his time in charge, with many criticising his tactics, star talents like Alessia Russo, Mary Earps, Nikita Parris, Lucía Garcíaand captain Katie Zelem have all departed during this time. Others just haven’t felt the same since Casey Stoney left back in 2021.
Even gave him a photoshoot. Right wrong on not a significant part of the fan base hates Marc skinner. It’s tone deaf to assume we all celebrate on socials. I would turn the comments off tbh. https://t.co/VIarfUAkoJ
Nevertheless, Marc Skinner is staying for the immediate future, and there are still plenty who back him and the work he’s done, or at least the direction he is looking to go in.
Speaking on the extension, United‘s technical director Jason Wilcox said: “Marc’s record since taking charge speaks for itself, having delivered our first major women’s silverware and firmly established us among the leading teams in the WSL.
“After a major overhaul last summer, we have an exciting, developing squad ready to compete for further success, and we are convinced that Marc is the right coach to lead that process.”
COO Collette Roche went on to insist that “building a successful and popular women’s team is an important part of our wider, football-first strategy for the club” and that they hope Skinner will continue to contribute in placing “Manchester United at the forefront of growth in the women’s game.”
Danny Jones -
15th February 2024 
