Dan Ashworth's Man United 'embarrassment' raises alarm bells for Arsenal

Dan Ashworth's decision to leave Newcastle after just two years to join Manchester United was something of a red flag, according to Arsenal legend Martin Keown.

At the weekend, Ashworth left his post as sporting director at Old Trafford after just five months in the job, making United's efforts to pry him out of St James' Park look folly. The move not only soured his relationship with Newcastle but required arbitration and a financial payout.

The 53-year-old is now being linked with Arsenal, who will be without a sporting director when Edu officially departs at the end of the season. But Keown isn't so sure his former club should be after a man with a track record like Ashworth's.

READ MORE: Arsenal have key reason for Dan Ashworth pursuit - it would increase scrutiny on Man United owners

READ MORE: Ineos' next steps in replacing Dan Ashworth at Man United 'revealed' as January plan emerges

"I was troubled with the fact that he wanted to leave Newcastle so quickly," Keown said, speaking to former Gunners team-mate David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast, brought to you by Betway. "Suddenly, something's glistening in the distance, shiny in the shape of Manchester United, and he wants to jump from Newcastle. Okay, what sort of personality are we talking about?

"The sporting directors, they're role models within the building. They're having a say with all the young players, their behaviour, contracts and the rest of it, and then suddenly someone just leaves. Just click of a finger, he's gone."

Keown also said he was concerned that if Arsenal were to appoint a high-profile sporting director like Ashworth, it could send a negative signal through the club. "He turns up at Manchester United, and it feels embarrassing now.