POTTER BACKS DAN ASHWORTH TO REVITALIZE UNITED

After spending three pivotal years working alongside Dan Ashworth at Brighton, Graham Potter believes Ashworth can help get Manchester United back on track.

Since joining United over the summer as sporting director, Ashworth has faced a challenging start, navigating a period of transition and high-profile struggles, most notably around the future of manager Erik ten Hag.

While Christopher Vivell's short-term recruitment role has allowed Ashworth time to settle in at Old Trafford, the club has experienced difficulties on the pitch. Erik ten Hag's position has become a focal point of scrutiny following consecutive 3-0 home defeats to Liverpool and Tottenham — teams United aspire to compete with regularly. Despite the pressure, United has thus far stood by the Dutchman, though a defining week awaits with tough away fixtures against Porto in the Europa League and Aston Villa in the Premier League, which will likely determine his immediate future.

Ashworth's responsibilities, shared with Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada, involve building a long-term structure that guarantees both stability and success for Manchester United. This kind of strategic overhaul is a gradual process, and Graham Potter, who developed a close working relationship with Ashworth during their time at Brighton from 2019 to 2022, is confident that improvements will come with time.

Potter witnessed Ashworth’s influence firsthand as Brighton transformed from a side facing relegation to one on the cusp of European football. "Yeah absolutely," Potter said on *Monday Night Football*, marking his first television appearance since his sacking by Chelsea in April 2023. "I think Dan is probably part of the team there as well, and he'll want to support and help. That's my experience with Dan."

Ashworth’s role at United is expected to mirror his work at Brighton and Newcastle, where he created a supportive environment for managers while challenging them at appropriate moments. Potter praised Ashworth’s balanced approach to leadership: "My experience of Dan, working at Brighton, was that he's very supportive, even challenging at the right time, but he'll want to help and be there for you. I think football clubs have to create conditions for coaches to be successful as well, and that's what he'll try to do as best as he can."

Ashworth’s previous success at Newcastle, where he helped drive the club's rise up the table under new Middle Eastern ownership, has set high expectations for his role in United’s rebuilding process. Known for his eye for talent and astute recruitment, Ashworth boasts an impressive track record of signings that include Moises Caicedo, Alexander Isak, Alexis Mac Allister, Leandro Trossard, Evan Ferguson, Anthony Gordon, Kaoru Mitoma, Tariq Lamptey, and Sven Botman. These acquisitions were made for relatively modest fees and significantly impacted their respective teams' fortunes.

The Ineos ownership group will be hoping that Ashworth can replicate his success at United, facilitating a similar turnaround in fortunes. While his arrival marks the beginning of a longer-term vision, Ashworth's experience and recruitment skills have instilled hope that Manchester United can return to the top echelons of English and European football. Potter’s faith in his former colleague indicates that, while the road may be challenging, United could be in very capable hands.