Dan Ashworth officially joins Man Utd as sporting director | OneFootball

Dan Ashworth has joined Manchester United as their new sporting director, leaving Newcastle United after a two-year spell.

United have long wanted to bring in Ashworth to lead their new recruitment structure under co-owners INEOS, but had found it tough negotiating with Newcastle.

A four-month impasse officially came to an end on Monday, with the two clubs confirming Ashworth's switch to Old Trafford in a joint statement.

"Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future," the statement read.

Reports earlier on Monday revealed United and Newcastle had reached an agreement to see Ashworth join the Red Devils.

The Magpies had previously held out for a compensation figure of around £20m in order to sanction his leave without a lengthy period of gardening leave.

Ashworth joins United having overseen a successful spell at Newcastle. Prior to his move to Tyneside, he spent three years as technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion after a five-year stint as the FA's director of development.

United are looking to strengthen their ranks ahead of the 2024/25 season. Recent reports claim they are in talks with Bayern Munich over centre-back Matthijs de Ligt, while it has also been suggested they have not given up hope of signing Michael Olise from Crystal Palace.