I worked under Dan Ashworth - he has one key thing Manchester United need

Former West Bromwich Albion striker Shane Long has given an insight into what it is like to work as a player under Dan Ashworth, outlining the one quality that Manchester United will crave in the transfer window.

The sporting director is currently on gardening leave at Newcastle United after expressing his desire to leave and jointhe Red Devils. He was targeted by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and ineos following their takeover at Old Trafford.

An agreement will need to be reached with Newcastle over a compensation package for Ashworth to complete a move. If that isn’t struck, then the Red Devils face a wait of over a year until the end of his contract at St James’ Park.

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His first foray into being a sporting director came at West Bromwich Albion after being promoted from academy manager in 2007. During his time in the role, the Baggies were promoted to the Premier League twice and established themselves in the league before he left to join the FA in 2013.

Speaking exclusively to Ladbrokes Fanzone, Long has outlined the relationship he had with Ashworth as player. He also highlighted how key the appointment could be in the transfer window, given his eye for a player.

“Dan Ashworth spent a lot of time around the training ground at West Brom. He was always talking to the players, and giving us the confidence we might have needed at the time,” he said. “You know, I suppose if a player is doing well, it looks good on him, and so it made sense for him to be around. But he was always a really nice guy to be around; he