December 25th 2023.
Julian Ward, the former Liverpool sporting director, is being considered for the sporting director role at Manchester United. The 42-year-old spent 11 years at Anfield, starting as the European scouting manager for Spain and Portugal and eventually being promoted to the role of assistant sporting director. Before his departure last season, Ward had overseen the signings of Luis Diaz and Darin Nunez.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who recently secured a 25 per cent stake in the Old Trafford club, will be handed full control of football operations, with overhauling United’s recruitment department being an immediate priority. Ward is in contention for the role, alongside Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth and Dougie Freeman of Crystal Palace.
Ashworth is reportedly Ratcliffe’s top choice. The 52-year-old was handed the role at St James’ Park just over a year ago after impressive spells as the FA’s director of elite development and Brighton’s technical director. Since his arrival at Newcastle, he has been credited with overseeing moves for the likes of Kieran Trippier, Alexander Isak, and Anthony Gordon.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has insisted Ashworth is committed to the project at Newcastle. When asked about the speculation, he said, ‘I’ve got no doubt that Dan is here for the long term but it’s probably a question for Dan rather than me.’ He added, ‘He’s hugely important and has been a really calming influence behind the scenes, his vast experience has really helped.’
John Murtough, who has been United’s football director in 2021, is unlikely to be kept on his current role as part of the imminent changes. However, he could stay on in a different position. Ward, who turned down an offer to become director of football at Ajax last summer, is yet to confirm if he is interested in the role.
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