Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag says he can “feel the ambition” as the club hope to bring in Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth – but admits he is not being consulted over changes off the pitch.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to acquire a 25 per cent stake of the Old Trafford giants and take control of football operations is expected to be completed next week.
The INEOS boss’ determination to hit the ground running has seen his team move to strengthen United’s football leadership team, with recruitment a particular area of focus.
Manchester City’s Omar Berrada is coming in as chief executive and the Red Devils are hoping Newcastle sporting director Ashworth will form part of their new-look hierarchy.
United want to bring in the former Football Association technical director, but a deal is not necessarily straightforward given negotiations with the Magpies over cost and timeframes.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday ahead of facing Luton Town this weekend – live on Sky Sports – Ten Hag said: “You see and you feel that ambition, brings a mood and a spirit.
“The players and staff are aligned with the ambitions of INEOS, that’s why we are playing for Manchester United.
“We want to win and achieve the highest. We have to make strategies and execute them to prove the ambitions.”
Player trading has been a key area targeted for improvement by INEOS as they prepare to take control of football operations.
Sales have been pinpointed as a concern on top of United’s missteps making signings.
“I think it is very important you’re on one page with a football philosophy and tactics,” Ten Hag added. “About the player profiles, it’s important to have very good communication to get the right players.
“Developing a good team means having the right players and the right characters. It is a long process to get the right players in but it’s important to get aligned.
“I’ve worked in several situations where sometimes I was alone in charge, sometimes I had the co-operation. I’ve dealt with several situations. But it’s so specific and so intense that you need people around you who are on the same page, working on the same targets to achieve the high ambitions.”
Magpies chief Ashworth is top of Ratcliffe’s list to front up his new football operation at Old Trafford, although there is yet to be formal contact between the two clubs.
It is understood Ashworth is open to the move and Newcastle would be looking for significant compensation, given he only joined the club two years ago.
Man Utd would ideally want him in place this summer to oversee their transfer overhaul as INEOS take control over the football operation.
When pressed on whether he would influence the sporting director appointment, Ten Hag added: “I am here working with the current construction. I’m very happy in this construction so I don’t know anything about changes.
“I talk with the sporting organisation but it’s not up to me. I’m focused on this team. We’re now working on the plans for the summer as the window is shut for January.
“Everything is aligned with each other. We’re a club, the first team is not an isolated department. But it’s important that the first team is performing and getting results.”
The interest in Ashworth comes after the Premier League and the Football Association both approved Ratcliffe’s proposed bid to buy a minority stake in the club.
Ten Hag also confirmed that defender Luke Shaw is a doubt for the trip to Luton on Sunday, but the Dutchman would not categorically rule the left-back out, adding that he would be assessed after being taken off against Aston Villa as a precaution.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka has suffered a setback in his rehabilitation, while Tyrell Malacia, Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez remain long-term absentees.
On the unique challenge of a trip to Kenilworth Road, Ten Hag said: “The pitch is smaller or longer? 11 vs 11? No referees are coming?
“Of course, every ambience is different, we have to deal with the circumstances. It’s about playing football 11 vs 11 – we have to make it our game.
“We are not in a position to underestimate any opponent so we will not.
“We have to play our best because we’ve seen their performances across the season are really good and they are improving. I have a lot of respect for this team.”