We want to get Reds back to 'expected level'

DAN Ashworth has described addressing Erik ten Hag's future as his first big decision' as Manchester United's sporting director.

- STEVEN RAILSTON

Ashworth joined United from Newcastle at the start of July after an agreement was struck between both clubs to release the 53-year-old from his contract in the North East.

Newrcastle hung tough in negotiations for Ashworth, who they were reluctant to lose, and he was placed on gardening leave after an approach from Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

After protracted talks, Newcastle were forced to release Ashworth due to PSR constraints and he immediately started work at United after swapping St. James' Park for Old Trafford, which has seen his name attached to each club announcement since his start date of July 1.

Ashworth was Ratcliffe's priority target for United's inaugural sporting director role and his appointment from Newcastle is expected to overhaul the club's recruitment.

United have made a strong start to the summer transfer window and Ashworth has written an open letter to supporters to discuss his first few weeks as sporting director. In the letter, Ashworth reflected on his upbringing, his memories of Old Trafford, how the new football structure will work, his ambitions and the importance of backing Ten Hag.

"This is one of my first opportunities to address Manchester United fans since joining the club as sporting director on 1 July, so I want to start by saying how delighted I am to be here, he wrote. "Although I grew up in Norfolk, I've always had a strong attachment with Manchester because my mum and dad were born in Middleton and my grandparents lived their whole lives there.

"When 1I visited as a boy, my dad would take me to games across Greater Manchester and I remember the thrill of my first visit to Old Trafford in the late 1970s, watching the likes of Lou Macari, Jimmy Nicholl and Arthur Albiston.