Manchester United's sporting director shortlist offers transfer hint
26.12.2023 - 14:45
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
One of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's first tasks at Manchester United will be to appoint a new sporting director.
MEN Sport understands the incumbent John Murtough impressed during INEOS' fact finding missions at Carrington. However, this has not altered their view that a new sporting director is needed to push United in the right direction.
Murtough is expected to remain at United in an administrative role while a new person is brought in to replace him. Manchester Evening News understands Newcastle's Dan Ashworth is the top target for Ratcliffe having overseen a rise at St James' Park and his previous club Brighton.
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Meanwhile, The Telegraph has named a host of names who are reportedly under consideration. We've cast an eye over the candidates and their transfer success stories.
The Newcastle sporting director may have unlimited riches at his disposal but he has been sensible with his targets. Anthony Gordon is an astute signing while Tino Livramento has been a revelation for the Magpies as they continue to recruit intelligently. At Brighton, Ashcroft's resume was impressive, discovering talented players like Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella and Kaoru Mitoma from near obscurity before pushing them into the first team.
Up until May this year, Ward had been working in Liverpool's boardroom as technical director before advancing to sporting director in the last 12 months of his Anfield stay. While the Reds' recent transfer business has not set the world alight, there has still been some good purchases. Diogo Jota stands out during Ward's tenure.
The Crystal Palace sporting director has done well