INEOS receive major blow as Man United’s new recruitment lead revealed

INEOS have received a major blow ahead of their first summer transfer window at Manchester United as the new recruitment lead has been revealed.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS team took charge at Old Trafford in February when the Premier League ratified their deal to purchase a stake in Manchester United.

They have full sporting control at the club and have already made important moves in the expected overhaul of the sporting department.

Omar Berrada will become the club’s chief executive, taking over from Richard Arnold, who departed earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Dan Ashworth is expected to join as the sporting director, but an agreement must be reached with Newcastle United over a compensation fee beforehand.

There is a similar situation with Southampton over the prospective technical director Jason Wilcox.

INEOS would’ve been hoping to have things in place for the summer transfer window, which is expected to be a busy period for the club. However, it appears that this will not be the case.

A new report from the Manchester Evening News has stated that Ashworth, who will eventually be the key man in United’s sporting regime, is not expected to be involved in United’s recruitment this summer.

Instead, it was explained that director of player negotiations Matt Hargreaves, whose long-term future remains in doubt, will be taking control of the club’s recruitment plans after John Murtough departed Old Trafford this week.

Wilcox, formerly of Manchester City, could play a role for United in the summer. The aforementioned report adds that sources at Southampton believe their sporting director could leave for United before the end of the season.

INEOS have taken a strong stance in negotiations with Newcastle for Ashworth and many will like the fact that they are not acting desperate and splashing cash as the club have done many times in the past.

However, it is indisputable that United’s co-owner Ratcliffe and his team would’ve preferred to have Ashworth in the building for the summer window. If that change is made, it will likely be key for Erik ten Hag or a new manager.