Roy Keane sends Man United warning over Dan Ashworth and sporting director history

Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has warned the club over one aspect of signing Dan Ashworth, which he’s worried about.

Ashworth, 52, is the number one INEOS choice for the sporting director role at United, and it appears likely that the move will get over the line.

Eddie Howe has admitted that “something is going to happen” following reports of the interest skyrocketing this week after Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal was finally ratified by Premier League authorities.

Ashworth joined Newcastle from Brighton in 2022 and was at The Seagulls for around three years. Before that, he held a senior position at the FA between 2012 and 2018.

Keane, who admits that Ashworth is one of the best at what he does, also believes that his job-hopping in recent years should be a cause of concern for his former club.

Speaking on the Stick To Football podcast, Keane said: “You’re talking about Dan Ashworth coming into Manchester United and being the best for the job, but he doesn’t seem to hang around for long.

“He was at Brighton for a few years, and he’s only been at Newcastle for a couple seasons, so you have to look at that too. There’s no doubt he’s brilliant at his job, but who is to say he won’t leave in 18 months for Real Madrid or Barcelona.”

Whilst the 52-year-old has made prior movements, it is said that the role of helping to turn United around is one of several big lures for the sporting director, who will also gain added power at Old Trafford.

United are a large step up from any of his prior employments, so an early exit, if he does make the move, seems like it wouldn’t be nearly as likely.