Man Utd eyeing scouting overhaul with Ashworth hire – sources،
Dan Ashworth will be given responsibility for rebuilding Manchester United's recruitment department when he becomes the club's director of football, with Brighton head of recruitment Sam Jewell identified as the leading candidate to head the new structure, sources told ESPN.
United are in talks with Newcastle United in a bid to release Ashworth from his sporting director contract at St James' Park and sources have said a quick resolution could see the 52-year-old gain permission to move to Old Trafford in the next. days, subject to a period of gardening leave before starting a new role in Manchester.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS Group, which will take charge of United's football operations once its 25% investment is finally confirmed by the NYSE next week, wants Ashworth to transform the recruitment system at Old Trafford after undertaking an audit of the club's recent transfer transactions.
Only Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain have spent more than United on new players since 2018, but United have won just one trophy – the 2023 Carabao Cup – in that period.
Ashworth is credited with making Brighton one of the most successful clubs in the transfer market following his four-year spell at the club between 2018 and 2022. He also played a central role in implementing changes within of the English Football Association which preceded the country's significant improvement. in the results in recent years.
While Ashworth's appointment is a significant move on United's part, the club are also determined to strengthen all levels of the recruitment team and Jewell's success at Brighton has seen him favored by Ashworth as potential appointment at Old Trafford.
Jewell, the son of former Wigan and Bradford manager Paul Jewell, was hired by Ashworth from Brighton in 2016 and has since been elevated to head of recruitment after starting out as head of under-21 recruitment years of the club.
He played a key role in Brighton's moves for Alexis Mac Allister, Moisés Caicedo and Julio Enciso, identifying emerging talent in South America and signing them for modest fees before, in the case of Mac Allister and Caicedo, taking them on. sell for a significant profit.
Sources have told ESPN that United are yet to make an official decision for Jewell, but he is highly regarded by Ashworth and his success at Brighton has been noted by the club's INEOS team.
Jewell is also wanted by Chelsea, according to a report from the Telegraph.
Newcastle, according to a source, are aware of Ashworth's desire to move to United but believe his contract situation leaves them well protected.
Once they receive a formal approach, they will demand compensation before approving a decision.
Newcastle would also expect Ashworth to spend a significant period on gardening leave – possibly up to 12 months – unless United make an additional payment to reduce it.
Sources have told ESPN that United want Ashworth to start as soon as possible in order to have influence in the summer transfer window.
Newcastle, according to a source, believe they could be in line for a payout of up to £10m.
Reporting from ESPN's Rob Dawson contributed to this report.
