While talks over Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox have dragged on for a lot longer than Manchester United would ideally have liked, there remains a confidence that both – headhunted to form part of a new behind-the-scenes structure by Ineos – will end up at Old Trafford eventually.
Dan Ashworth is on gardening leave after confirming his desire to leave Newcastle and take up a new challenge at Manchester United. Wilcox, meanwhile, offered his resignation to Southampton during the 3-2 defeat by Ipswich Town on Easter Monday.
Disagreements over the compensation fee that would be paid to The Magpies and The Saints remain the biggest obstacle standing in Ineos’ way, the club’s new co-owners determined to put a long overdue end to United’s damaging tendency to implode during negotiations and chuck money recklessly at a problem.
Ineos already have former Man City and Barcelona director Omar Berrada ready to start work as United’s new CEO when his own gardening leave comes to an end. There is still some hope that Ashworth and Wilcox can be in place before the summer too.
But while things are taking shape in the boardroom, further questions are being asked about the future of Man United’s dugout following that latest capitulation, Chelsea scoring in the 100 and the 101 minute as the pressure on Erik ten Hag increased to it’s highest point yet.
Big changes at Manchester United
There remains a feeling, in some quarters, that Ten Hag deserves the chance to show what he can do with a fully fit squad and under a proper footballing structure. It appears that view is shared by Ineos, The Athletic reporting that – as things stand – Sir Jim Ratcliffe and co are planning for the Dutchman to stay beyond the current campaign.
Ten Hag is in close contact with Sir Dave Brailsford, Ratcliffe’s trusted right-hand man. Unlike John Murtough, his departure is anything but inevitable.
One man who has already exited Old Trafford in the Ineos era, however, is Eric Ramsay. That, The Athletic adds, is likely to have come as a disappointment to those in control of sporting matters at Old Trafford. Brailsford reportedly felt that Ramsay had ‘the potential’ to provide usual support for Ten Hag, with Ineos feeling that United would benefit from an up-and-coming but ‘established’ British coach.
Ramsay, who spent three years at Man United, opted instead to take on the role of a number one at MLS outfit Minnesota United.
Eric Ramsay left Old Trafford for the MLS
The desire for a young, hungry, homegrown tactician may also explain United’s alleged interest in Wolves boss Gary O’Neil. The former Bournemouth chief, who has done such an impressive job since replacing Scott Parker on the South Coast in 2022, distanced himself from those United rumours last week, however.
“Growing up, Liverpool and Man United felt like special clubs. So it’s an honour to be linked,” O’Neill told Sky Sports. “But all of my focus is here. I love it here.
“No, nothing at all,” O’Neil added when asked if there has been any contact with Manchester United. “I was only made aware of (the rumours) by our media team.”