Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth responds to links with Manchester United role

Newcastle's sporting director Dan Ashworth has insisted he's happy at St. James' Park following links to Manchester United.

United have spent over £1billion on transfers since Sir Alex Ferguson retired in 2013, but the club has failed to mount a serious challenge for the Premier League title in that period.

United's recruitment has received intense scrutiny and the appointment of John Murtough as football director in March 2021 was hoped to be a step in the right direction.

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But Erik ten Hag has spent over £400million during his tenure, with the manager having a large influence on the recruitment strategy.

Manchester City and Liverpool, who have been the country's most successful teams in the last five years, both have sporting directors who dictate transfer policy to ensure signings align with the club's philosophy in comparison.

That approach has been absent at Old Trafford and Gary Neville recently suggested Newcastle sporting director Ashworth, who was previously behind Brighton's rise, is someone who United could use.

Ashworth is also understood to be admired, along with former Monaco sporting director Paul Mitchell, by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

"I literally saw Gary when walking into the directors' box and he was going down the tunnel," Ashworth told The Mirror when asked about that praise. "I shouted, 'Hello' and that was it. I didn't have a conversation with Gary.

"I know him and Phil [Neville] from their England days. He's written some very kind things and thank you, Gary."

Ashworth was pressed about links to United and said: "Same situation as Eddie [Howe], I think. I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city,