Manchester United are prepared to play the waiting game for Dan Ashworth – which could hand under-pressure Erik ten Hag a stay of execution.

Ashworth has agreed to become Man United’s first ever sporting director after handing in his notice at Newcastle.

The Red Devils wanted the former FA bigwig to be in situ in time to lead their summer recruitment plans, but are still refusing to pay Newcastle’s £20m asking price to release him early from his lengthy gardening leave.

talkSPORT understands Man United are more hopeful of reaching a compromise with Southampton to allow Jason Wilcox to assume his role as technical director for the start of the transfer window and work alongside incoming chief executive Omar Berrada.

Ten Hag’s position is under intense scrutiny on the back of a very disappointing season, but Ashworth would want a major input in any change in the dugout and as it stands Man United are preparing for the start of the new season with the Dutchman at the helm.

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