Dan Ashworth of Newcastle is “targeted” for the position of sporting director at Manchester United, following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s delay.

• Dan Ashworth of Newcastle is “targeted” for the position of sporting director at Manchester United, following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s delay

A summary of the most recent rumors surrounding the Man United takeover, such as rumors of interest in Newcastle’s head of recruitment and the postponement of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ownership confirmation.

Dan Ashworth is reportedly being courted by United to take on the role of sporting director.(

After losing to Bournemouth 3-0 at home, Manchester United’s miserable season may get even worse as they could be eliminated from the Champions League tonight.

Erik ten Hag’s side suffered their 11th defeat of the season at home to Andoni Iraola’s Cherries, with goals coming from Dominic Solanke, Philip Billing and Marcos Senesi. The performance strengthened calls for yet another overhaul of the playing squad in January and the Manchester Evening News understands up to five players could be sold.

Such outgoings will likely mean United are forced to invest during the mid-season window and Ten Hag could have the expertise of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and a few new hires come the new year. The INEOS chief will bring Sir Dave Brailsford along with him to Old Trafford and the pair are reported to be keen on prising one of Newcastle’s most influential employees away.

United are exploring the possibility of targeting Newcastle technical director Dan Ashworth once Ratcliffe’s takeover is completed, according to reports. The Manchester Evening News understands that the club could replace current sporting director John Murtough.

Brailsford is reported to be helping to oversee a potential appointment and while former Tottenham recruitment chief Paul Mitchell remains the favourite, i News reports that there is hope Ashworth can be lured away from St James’ Park. The report adds, however, that Newcastle will do all they can to resist any advances and a potential delay regarding confirmation of Ratcliffe’s stake – potentially into the new year – could present a problem.

Fernandes swipe

Ratcliffe mocked United captain Bruno Fernandes for his behaviour at Anfield last season during the Reds’ 7-0 drumming against Liverpool.

In ‘Grit, Rigour & Humour – The INEOS Story,’ Ratcliffe ridiculed Fernandes’ way of thinking. The British billionaire and United supporter reminisced about his time spent traveling the world, particularly in the Cook Islands, where he saw a rugby player being carted off in the back of a pick-up truck following a broken leg, on the book’s first page, which was released this summer.

After praising the bravery of this unidentified player, Ratcliffe said, “A far cry from Bruno Fernandes clutching his untouched face in the Liverpool debacle recently.”