From Arsenal star to World Cup winner and Premier League record holder: here's why Man United are targeting Dan Ashworth
Manchester United may have spent more than £1.5bn in the last decade, but their recruitment policy has been a source of laughter for rival fans.
AND Newcastle Sporting director Dan Ashworth could be the man to finally put things right at Old Trafford as the club look to get back to winning ways.
Since 2014, the Red Devils have spent £1.67bn on new players according to the CIES Football Observatoryand most of his mega money transfers fell through.
Their five biggest signings, consisting of Paul Pogba (£89m), Antony (£82m), Harry Maguire (£80m), Romelu Lukaku (£75m) and Jadon Sancho ( 73 million pounds sterling), have been flattered to deceive.
Fans have been clamoring for a sporting director, and fans could soon get their wish with Newcastle boss Ashworth on their radar.
talkSPORT understands the former FA bigwig, who has been with the Magpies since 2022, is interested in a switch to the Theater of Dreams to become United's inaugural director.
Ashworth, who previously held similar positions at Brighton and West Brom, has earned a reputation as a transfer specialist, with most of his arrivals proving to be big hits.
Here talkSPORT.com looks back at seven of the best signings of the 52-year-old's career so far.
Leandro Trossard – From Genk to Brighton – £15 million
Ashworth brought the belgian striker to the Amex Stadium in 2019, the same summer he joined the south coast team.
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His dazzling performances for the Seagulls saw him make his international debut in 2020, where he is now a key player with 30 appearances.
In total, he spent three and a half years with Brighton, scoring 25 goals in 122 games.
He left to join Arsenal in the winter window last year on a deal amounting to £27 millionwith the 29-year-old a key player in the Gunners' title chase.
Alexis Mac Allister – Argentinos Juniors to Brighton – £7m
Few would have expected the 25-year-old to reach the heights he has achieved since moving to Brighton in 2019.
He was loaned out again to Argentinos before being sent to Boca Juniors, eventually becoming a regular in Brighton's squad in the 2020/21 season.
And it soon became clear that Ashworth and his network of scouts had identified a gem, and the Argentine team also realized his potential.
One of their stars from the 2022 World Cup-winning campaign, he became the first Brighton player to appear in the final of the world tournament.
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After scoring 12 goals in all competitions last season, Liverpool brought him to Anfield in a deal worth £55 millionwhere he helps the Reds fight for four trophies.
Moisés Caicedo – Independiente del Valle to Brighton – £4.5 million
Caicedo, another economic addition, went from being a mystery to becoming the Premier League's record transfer in two years.
Incredibly, the Ecuadorian international only spent one full season at the Amex before joining Chelsea on a Record British transfer of £115 million.
It is undoubtedly the best deal in top-flight history, with Brighton making £110.5m in profits.
With Caicedo featuring in just 53 games during his two-year stay, it means Brighton racked up £2m for each appearance.
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Kaoru Mitoma – Kawasaki Frontale to Brighton – £2.7 million
Another notable find, the Japanese winger was one of the Premier League's standout wingers in his debut season last year.
Signed in 2021, he was immediately loaned out to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, before becoming a star player under Graham Potter and now Roberto De Zerbi.
After contributing seven goals and five assists in the 2022/23 season, he was rewarded with a new four year contract to defend against interest from Arsenal, United and Chelsea.
With nine goals involved in all competitions this season, the 26-year-old is another Ashworth signing who looks destined to join a 'Top Six' club.
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Alexander Isak – Real Sociedad to Newcastle – £63 million
The Swedish centre-forward moved to Tyneside in a club-record transfer, where he became an instant fan favourite.
With ten top-flight goals last season, he helped the Magpies finish fourth to secure a Champions League spot.
And he is Newcastle's top scorer this season with 14 goals in just 25 games.
At only 24 years old, the former Borussia Dortmund scorer has plenty of time to become one of the best forwards in the division.
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Nick Pope – From Burnley to Newcastle: £10 million
Ashworth managed to secure a reduced fee for the goalkeeper following the Clarets' relegation to the Championship.
And he kept a whopping 14 clean sheets in his 37 appearances, while conceding just 32 goals.
His good form led to him being included in England's squad for the 2022 World Cup, and he could be included in Gareth Southgate's squad for Euro 2024 if he recovers from injury.
Pope has been out with a shoulder knock since December, which coincided with Newcastle kicking goals for fun.
They have conceded 25 goals in ten games without him, having previously conceded just 14 in as many games with Pope in the lineup.
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Anthony Gordon – Everton to Newcastle – £45 million
Eyebrows were raised when the Toon spent a lot of money on Gordon in January 2023.
He struggled for form in the second half of last season but has been nothing short of sensational this campaign.
The 22-year-old has scored seven goals in all competitions and provided seven assists.
Proving to be a great player, he has found the back of the net against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and United.
And he has a good chance of traveling to Germany with the Three Lions this summer.
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