Manchester United’s move for Dan Ashworth didn’t work out and will go down as one of the biggest early misfires for Ineos.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to revolutionise Manchester United and made a series of big-name appointments in 2024.
Omar Berrada joined United as the club’s new chief executive whilst Jason Wilcox came in as technical director.
The big move saw United land Dan Ashworth as sporting director, luring him away from Newcastle United in the process.
Viewed as a coup at the time, the move really didn’t work out as Ashworth left United in December – just months after being headhunted by Ineos.
Ratcliffe and co explored other additions last year too with one Premier League transfer guru on the radar.
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Dougie Freedman heading to Saudi Arabia after Manchester United interest
Reports in November 2023 suggested that Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman was on the United radar as Ineos prepared to get down to work.
A United approach for Freedman was expected in March but the Scot never joined the Ineos revolution.
More United News
Freedman has been highly rated for years having brought the likes of Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze to Selhurst Palace.
Despite that United interest, Freeman stayed put at Palace but has now decided to leave Selhurst Park for a surprise switch.
Palace have now confirmed that Freedman is leaving the club to ‘take up a role overseas’.
The Guardian report that Freedman’s move is to Saudi Arabia as he will join second-tier club Al-Diriyah.
Some will question whether this is a step forward for Freedman but it looks like the door to a potential United move can now be firmly closed for the foreseeable future.
Sir Alex Ferguson wanted Dougie Freedman
One of the key connections between Freedman and United was actually Sir Alex Ferguson.
Reports suggested that Ferguson was supporting Freedman’s potential United move having struck up a connection over the years.
The two Scots were neighbours in Cheshire and Ferguson seemingly backed Freedman for a major role in the United rebuild.
Ferguson and Freedman were then spotted together in June as the United speculation continued to swirl.
In the end, Freedman stayed with Palace but has seemingly been given an offer that he simply couldn’t refuse and will now head to Saudi Arabia.