Dan Ashworth can give Erik ten Hag what he wants at Manchester United

Dan Ashworth's opinion of recruitment could see manager Erik ten Hag get the casting vote on future signings at Manchester United.

Ashworth has been put on gardening leave by Newcastle United amid the Reds' desire to appoint him as their inaugural sporting director. Ineos have identified Ashworth as their top target and he is understood to be keen on making the switch to Old Trafford.

Ineos are in the process of revamping the landscape of the football structure at Old Trafford and they want Ashworth to be central to the new-look system. They have already recruited Omar Berrada from Manchester City and are keen on poaching Jason Wilcox from Southampton.

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Ashworth, who has been at Newcastle since the summer of 2022, previously served as technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion prior to making the switch to St James' Park and had a key say in the direction of their transfer policy. The Seagulls' recruitment has been among the most admired in world football in recent years, uncovering hidden gems, developing them and selling them on for huge profits.

Most clubs nowadays make decisions on recruitment as a collective, with various figures involved, including the first-team manager. At United, there has been an overriding feeling among the fans that Ten Hag has had too big a say in the club's recruitment policy, with very few of his signings so far living up to their respective transfer fees.

The Dutchman, prior to officially taking over at Old Trafford in May 2022, admitted he accepted the role at the club with assurances that he could have "control" over