Erik ten Hag's Man City and Liverpool wish could be about to come true

Whisper it quietly but Manchester United are starting to act like an elite-level football club again.

After years of languishing in the shadows of those they expect to compete with on an even keel, they are, albeit with an element of caution, in the process of fighting back. Following the statement addition of Omar Berrada as their new chief executive last month, they are now targeting more big-name additions.

As has been well documented over the last few days, United have identified Newcastle United's Dan Ashworth as their top target to become the club's new sporting director. He wants the move and appointing him would act as another giant stride in the right direction.

READ MORE: United injury latest ahead of Luton fixture

READ MORE: Jose Mourinho rules out United return as manager

Ashworth, 52, is widely considered as one of the best in class, meaning the prospect of appointing him to work alongside Berrada at the top table would be another decision to earn Sir Jim Ratcliffe huge plaudits. The INEOS chief, who received regulatory approval for his 25 per cent stake in the club from the Premier League and the Football Association earlier this week, is making it clear that United's hierarchy needs filling with respected names who have not only worked at big clubs but have also delivered success.

Under the Glazers' ownership, United have not acted like an elite-level club. The structure of the club has made up of square pegs in round holes, with certain individuals, in the past, having earned job titles they were not worthy of, with their respective backgrounds proving a complete misfit.

Under Ratcliffe, who has gained control of football operations, square pegs will go into square-shaped holes. The appointment of