Ratcliffe’s £1.3billion deal for a 25 per cent stake in United could be announced as early as this weekend, with parties locked in final negotiations throughout the week.
The INEOS founder will likely inherit total sporting control from the Glazer family, who are set to focus on the commercial side of the business.
One of Ratcliffe’s priorities is said to be appointing a new sporting director and head of recruitment to help form an upgraded sporting structure.
And Ashworth is reportedly at the top of his shortlist for the former, with Paul Mitchell and Dougie Freedman among those linked with the latter role.
Luring the 52-year-old from Newcastle less than two years after he joined from Brighton and Hove won’t come easy or cheap.
However, Sir Alex would be among the club figures delighted by the appointment if it comes to fruition. The same can’t be said for John Murtough.
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive Man Utd news.
He is expected to be one of several high-profile names at Old Trafford at risk of losing their jobs – following Richard Arnold’s departure as chief executive.
And there have been doubts about Murtough within the club for at least almost two years, based on a report in The Athletic.
It’s claimed that, in February 2022, Arnold consulted a number of United executives during a review of club protocols, including how £1bn had practically gone down the drain on transfers.
Long-term chief scouts Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout lost their jobs as a result of the findings, while Murtough and Steve Brown stayed on.
However, Ferguson, among those approached, advised Arnold to examine Murtough.
He is expected to be one of several high-profile names at Old Trafford at risk of losing their jobs – following Richard Arnold’s departure as chief executive.
And there have been doubts about Murtough within the club for at least almost two years, based on a report in The Athletic.
It’s claimed that, in February 2022, Arnold consulted a number of United executives during a review of club protocols, including how £1bn had practically gone down the drain on transfers.
Long-term chief scouts Jim Lawlor and Marcel Bout lost their jobs as a result of the findings, while Murtough and Steve Brown stayed on.
However, Ferguson, among those approached, advised Arnold to examine Murtough.
