'Decide next chief' - Manchester United already have Dan Ashworth and Jason Wilcox 'alternatives'

Manchester United are ‘willing to move on’ from Newcastle United’s Dan Ashworth and Southampton’s Jason Wilcox claim reports with suggestions new minority owner Jim Ratcliffe is unwilling to ‘wait around’ to appoint the Red Devils’ new chief business officer ahead of next season.

Ratcliffe is looking to overhaul United’s backroom staff with additions - they have already brought key figures such as Omar Berrarda from Manchester City, who took over from now-former chief executive Richard Arnold.

United have not ended their interest in the services of Ashworth and Wilcox - however, they are reportedly ‘frustrated’ with the slow speed in which things are currently moving. Their respective clubs are ‘digging in their heels’ regarding compensation packages - as such, it could delay their arrivals until as late as 2025.

This is according to a report from The Athletic. Both Ashworth and Wilcox have been approached by the club to become their new sporting director and technical director, respectively. United’s backroom staff has come under heavy fire over the last few years - Ratcliffe is keen to improve upon this as quickly and as effectively as possible.

As things stand, it is unclear who the Red Devils are looking to bring on board to be their new chief business officer - however, their search continues.

What has been said regarding the possible departures of Jason Wilcox and Dan Ashworth?

On the potential departure of Wilcox to United, Southampton manager Russell Martin said [via George Rees-Julian on X]: “If it ends up happening and Jason goes, which looks likely, then he goes with nothing but good wishes from everyone here. Being honest, the one person it affects the most is me, because he brought us here. Jason is a great guy, I have the most conversation with him here. It has not affected the results or what we are embarking on.”