Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane has raised a big question mark about the potential appointment of Dan Ashworth at Old Trafford.
Keane has doubts over whether it would be a long-term move, claiming the 52-year-old could decide to leave after just 18 months in the role.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is reportedly close to reaching an agreement to lure the Newcastle sporting director to the club.
Ashworth has built a reputation for being successful in the transfer market during his time at Newcastle, as well as when he was technical director at West Brom and Brighton.
Man Utd legend Roy Keane doubts how long Dan Ashworth will stay at the club
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The Daily Mail says an agreement with United could be reached as early as next week, with Newcastle resigned to losing him.
Ashworth has a long-standing relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford, who will be part of the United setup following Ratcliffe's purchase of 25 per cent of the club's shares.
He has reportedly been lured by the project to lead United back to the glory days of the past.
Poor recruitment in the transfer market has often been a criticism labelled on United since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson in 2013.
Keane admits that is the main issue that needs to be resolved and reckons Ashworth can be the man to do it.
He told the Stick to Football podcast: "The way Brighton have done it with their recruitment, and Newcastle, recruitment is key.
"Manchester United have had many issues over the last few years, but recruitment is probably the No 1 thing they've got wrong."
However, Ashworth hasn't tended to stay at football clubs for an extended period.
He began as technical director at Brighton in the Spring of 2019 after leaving the same role he held with the FA.
But he resigned less than three years later and became Newcastle sporting director in the summer of 2022.
It appears he will be leaving St James' Park after less than two years at the club.
And Keane is worried that he won't stick around at United for the long term.
He added: "You're talking about Dan Ashworth coming into Manchester United and being the best for the job, but he doesn't seem to hang around for long.
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Dan Ashworth is set to leave Newcastle for Man Utd
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"He was at Brighton for a few years, and he's only been at Newcastle for a couple of seasons, so you have to look at that too.
"There's no doubt he's brilliant at his job, but who is to say he won't leave in 18 months for Real Madrid or Barcelona."
Ashworth is not set to be the only appointment United make.
They have already brought in a new CEO, with Omar Berrada agreeing to join from Manchester City.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has had his investment into Man Utd approved
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Berrada is currently on gardening leave at City and will start his role with United in the summer.
Ratcliffe's investment into United is all but confirmed after it emerged he passed the Owners' and Directors' test this week.
The FA have given approval for the deal which is worth around £1.3billion.
