Manchester United set to sign highly rated Newcastle figure | OneFootball

Manchester United irked many figures at Newcastle United after convincing Dan Ashworth to leave their project for a move to Old Trafford.

INEOS waited nearly five months to land Ashworth after Newcastle demanded £20m compensation for his services. Eventually, the two clubs reached a compromise in July of 2024. However, Ashworth was ushered to the exit a few months later in an abrupt manner.

United, who are gearing up to face the Magpies on Boxing Day, have now set their sights on another influential man at St James’ Park.

Manchester United trying to poach Newcastle’s academy guru

According to the Daily Mail, United are set to appoint Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment Paul Midgley to fill the same role at their academy. 

Midgley will replace Luke Fedorenko, who has decided to leave Carrington to take up a new job with an agency.

As has been the trend under chief executive Omar Berrada, Midgley boasts experience of a role at Manchester City. 

The report states: “Midgley has been chosen from more than 10 candidates after an extensive selection process.”

He joined Newcastle from Leeds United three years ago. Before that, he was UK scouting manager at City, where he worked with Jason Wilcox and Stephen Torpey.

Wilcox is now the director of football at the Theatre of Dreams, and Torpey recently succeeded Nick Cox as the club’s academy chief Stephen Torpey.

It is claimed the Red Devils might face “resistance” from Newcastle for Midgley’s services.

Man United interested in Newcastle youngster

The two clubs also locked horns in the transfer market last summer.

Eddie Howe was keen on signing Benjamin Sesko from RB Leizpig. However, the Slovenian rejected Newcastle in favour of a move to United, forcing Howe to recruit German forward Nick Woltemade instead.

Heading into the winter transfer window, United are thought to be monitoring their full-back Tino Livramento amid doubts over Patrick Dorgu, who has failed to nail down a starting place as a wing-back under Ruben Amorim.

Wilcox reportedly knows Livramento “incredibly well”. The 23-year-old’s contract at Newcastle runs until 2028.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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