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Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville has insisted that Dan Ashworth could hold the key to the club having a successful summer transfer window.
Last week, United confirmed the appointment of Ashworth as their inaugural sporting director in a joint statement with Newcastle United.
After months of pursuing their main man with little success, United finally managed to get a deal for the transfer and recruitment expert over the line.
A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils forked out a £10m fee to secure Ashworth’s services and pry him from the Magpies.
Now that the 53-year-old is in situ, he’s expected to play a key role in the club’s transfer activities and their efforts to recruit players and get rid of unwanted stars.
Over the past few years, United have been criticised for their poor handling of transfer dealings as well as overspending on targets.
However, according to Neville who spoke to Sky Sports (via The Manchester Evening News), Ashworth will change the situation and make United operate better and more efficiently.
The former defender said, “What I am hopeful of is that all of the appointments that have been made in and around Erik ten Hag… obviously a new CEO, Dan Ashworth, who I think does bring composure. I think he also deserves a mention in respect of the performances of this England team over the last few years.”
“He was one of the key people in building the foundations of this new England look. You won’t get another situation, I don’t think, with Dan Ashworth there and the other people whereby United are panicking in the transfer window and shooting from the hip like they have done in years gone by.”
“I think it will be quite measured. I think if they can’t get who they want, they won’t buy anyone.”
Neville added, “I think they will make sure they’re quite focused and precise in what they do moving forward. That should give Erik ten Hag more stability and better advice around him and more experience which hopefully will help him.”
At the moment, United seem to be working on deals for Dutch duo Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt. Both are currently with the Netherlands team at Euro 2024. Ronald Koeman’s men are set to face England in the semi-final of the competition on Wednesday.
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