After more than a year of speculation and uncertainty, there could finally be some light at the end of the tunnel for Manchester United on the takeover front.
The Glazer family confirmed in November 2022 they were "exploring strategic alternatives" regarding the future ownership of United.
What has followed has been a year of uncertainty for the club as interested parties and proposals came and went, only for two frontrunners to emerge.
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Sheikh Jassim bin Hamal Al Thani's bid envisaged a complete takeover of the Old Trafford club, ensuring the Glazers would no longer be involved in the running of United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS firm also entered the running and proposed a minority stake in the club, meaning the Glazer family would remain at United but no longer be in overall control.
And it appears the latter is the ownership model United will have in the future, with widespread reports suggesting a deal for Sir Jim's takeover bid will go through and mean he will own 25% of United, with a focus on the football side of the club.
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That is yet to get over the line but, when it does, there is the potential for Ratcliffe to bring in executives and officials he has worked with in the past on other successful sporting ventures.
Dan Ashworth is currently sporting director at Newcastle United and is understood to be one of the top targets Sir Jim has earmarked to bring to Old Trafford.
But it is not the first time Ashworth has been coveted by United.
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Sir Alex Ferguson told Richard Arnold in February 2022 when the latter became United chief executive to approach Ashworth for a role at Old Trafford, The Athletic reports, citing his successful work at Brighton & Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion and the Football Association.
Though Arnold did approach Ashworth before his move to Newcastle to sound him out, the then-Brighton man decided against entering proper talks when it became clear he would be working under current United sporting director John Murtough, rather than being his superior.
Though Ashworth may indeed eventually end up at United, he could have already been in situ at Old Trafford for 18 months.
Featured Image Credit: GettyTopics: Manchester United, Newcastle United, Sir Alex Ferguson