DAN ASHWORTH'S FIRST ACT AS MAN UTD DIRECTOR WILL BE MUSIC TO ERIK TEN HAG'S EARS
Manchester United may have a modest transfer budget to kickstart the summer but have ambitious plans to strengthen Erik ten Hag's squad in the coming weeks.
Dan Ashworth's work begins with immediate effect after United were able to agree a deal with Newcastle for his services. The sporting director's arrival sees the club's new football hierarchy of Ashworth, Jason Wilcox and new CEO Omar Berrada able to begin in earnest to leave their imprint at Old Trafford amid Sir Jim Ratcliffe's overhaul since investing.
The transformation may have once left Ten Hag with some trepidation, but the Dutchman will be reassured by his side's plans. The club have previously backed their coach with signings he has valued to mixed success.
United's move for Antony in particular has drawn criticism given the Brazilian's inability to kick on in the north west. But after the meeting in Ibiza where Ten Hag was told he would not be sacked, the former Ajax boss determined that he would be unwilling to relinquish control of his role in identifying possible transfer targets. United's boss previously insisted on a clause that would allow him to sign-off on transfers.
The 54-year-old will feel vindicated that his team are eyeing Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt, who he worked with at Ajax. Ten Hag will also be relieved to see United have ambitious plans despite Ratcliffe's assertion it will take “two or three summer windows” for the club to see a significant improvement.
United intend to prioritise three positions – centre-back, midfielder and striker – this summer, despite profit and sustainability rule ensuring just a £50million budget to start with. The 13-times Premier League champions are exploring a £55m move for Bayern Munich star De Ligt, after already making a bid for Everton central defender Jarrad Branthwaite of £35m plus £8m in add-ons.
In midfield, efforts have been made to scout Wolves' Brazil international Joao Gomes, in addition to Benfica teenager Joao Neves. PSG midfielder Manuel Ugarte has also drawn United's interest and the club are pushing to sign the Uruguayan.
Despite landing Rasmus Hojlund last summer, United's hope of landing a new forward to relieve some of the burden on the Denmark international is no secret. Dutch striker Joshua Zirkzee of Bologna, is a potential signing who appears to be on the move this summer.
To be able to pull-off such signings, Ashworth and his team will also prove busy in facilitating players head in the opposite direction. There is an ambition to boost United's transfer budget by as much as £200m.
That would see the Manchester club return fees for seven players. United hope to offload Casemiro, Victor Lindelof, Harry Maguire, Christian Eriksen, Antony, Jadon Sancho and Mason Greenwood. There is willingness to listen to good offers for other members of United's squad too however - even Bruno Fernandes could depart should a sizeable offer arrive, but he is expected to stay and sign a new deal.
Raphael Varane, Anthony Martial and Brandon Williams have already left this summer. United saw little boon to their funds as each left for free following their expiration of their contracts however.
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2024-07-04T09:01:32Z dg43tfdfdgfd