Dan Ashworth must deal with £21m transfer U-Turn after joining Manchester United

Dan Ashworth will join Manchester United with immediate effect after the club reached an agreement with Newcastle United for the sporting director.

After a long saga that looked set to be concluded at an arbitration hearing, the clubs came to an agreement themselves this week, which sees Ashworth start work at Old Trafford immediately.

The 53-year-old will take charge of duties at United, with technical director Jason Wilcox alongside him. Omar Berrada will start his role as chief executive in two weeks’ time.

While United have already been active in the transfer market, Ashworth will have one important decision to make immediately.

Sofyan Amrabat’s loan deal at United has now expired, and recent reports claimed that it had been decided that the club would not keep him.

However, the latest information from the Manchester Evening News has explained that a final decision regarding the midfielder’s future has not been made and that United could still activate the buy option in his contract.

United signed the Moroocan on loan at the start of last season from Fiorentina. They have the option to make his stay permanent for £21 million.

The MEN report added that Ashworth will be the one to lead the decision after completing his move to United.

Amrabat made 30 appearances for the club last season but didn’t show his best form until the final few games of the campaign.

He excelled against Manchester City in the FA Cup final as the Reds lifted the trophy at the end of a disappointing season.

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