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  • February 18, 2025
Man Utd considering ANOTHER raid on Newcastle for replacement for Dan Ashworth, Atletico boss also on radar

Man Utd considering ANOTHER raid on Newcastle for replacement for Dan Ashworth, Atletico boss also on radar

Manchester United are already considering possible replacements for Dan Ashworth after the club made the shock decision to sack him on Sunday, TEAMtalk can reveal.

The Red Devils spent a lot of time and effort luring Ashworth away from Newcastle, paying £3million to release him from his Magpies contract before being axed just five months into the role.

Ashworth had a number of disagreements with club co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and CEO Omar Berrada, namely over the appointment of manager Ruben Amorim.

As we exclusively revealed, Ashworth wanted to bring in a top-level British coach named Eddie Howe, Gareth Southgate and Graham Potter as his top suggestions.

Ratcliffe and Berrada vetoed his choices and as a result Ashworth was effectively excluded from a major decision at Man Utd – the starting point of the feud that ended in his departure.

Sources told TEAMtalk this Man Utd have already started the search for potential new sporting directors and will take a data-driven approach to their hunt.

It is possible that the Red Devils will choose to promote someone who clearly understands INEOS’ philosophy, rather than bringing in a new face. But two names have also been revealed to us that Man Utd’s chiefs are considering.

READ MORE: Ashworth’s latest Man Utd transfer move was revealed as Charlotte cleared US prospect to face trial

Man Utd weighing up second Newcastle raid, Atletico chief watched

TEAMtalk understands that INEOS have been long-time admirers of Newcastle’s new sporting director, Paul Mitchell. Ratcliffe and Co have kept a close eye on Mitchell since his success at French giants Monaco.

There is a certain irony in the fact that Man Utd are considering another attack on the Magpies for Ashworth’s potential replacement.

However, sources close to the situation say it will be ‘virtually impossible’ to lure Mitchell away from Newcastle as he has only been in the job for a few months and the relationship between the two clubs has been damaged by the Ashworth saga.

Another candidate on Man Utd’s radar is Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta. He has been one of the architects of Atletico’s stability and competitiveness for years, even with limited budgets, and this aspect is very much appreciated by the Red Devils’ hierarchy.

Recent reports suggest Berta is set to leave Atletico at the end of the season, but sources say he is still ‘very linked’ to the Spanish club so agreeing a deal won’t be an easy deal .

As mentioned, promoting someone from Man Utd is also an option for Ratcliffe, so it will be interesting to see which direction he chooses. For the time being, technical director Jason Wilcox will take on Ashworth’s duties.

Man Utd recap: Jonathan David rumors / Amad contract news

In the meantime, Meanwhile, Man Utd are reportedly one of many teams out there recently had conversations with the agents of Lille attacker Jonathan David.

The 24-year-old Canadian international’s contract with Lille expires at the end of the season and as things stand it seems highly unlikely that he will sign an extension.

Non-French clubs will therefore be able to open pre-contractual discussions David in January, ahead of a free transfer next summer.

Man Utd and Arsenal have spoken to David’s entourage and the striker’s preference is for a Premier League club next season. As it stands, however, Inter Milan are favorites to sign him.

In other news, sources have revealed to TEAMtalk that speculation that Man Utd winger Amad Diallo could leave Old Trafford is wide off the mark.

The 22-year-old’s contract expires at the end of this season and that has led to fears he could leave in January on a bargain deal or on a free transfer next summer.

However, we understand that Amad is completely focused on Man Utd and has no intention of leaving. The Red Devils, in turn, are negotiating a new long-term contract for him with his agents.

Sources say there is ‘no fear’ at Man Utd that Amad will want to leave and they fully expect him to put pen to paper on an improved deal soon.

IN FOCUS: Dan Ashworth’s Man Utd signings

Dan Ashworth signs for Man Utd

Dan Ashworth signs for Man Utd