Manchester United's Premier League rivals line up Dan Ashworth as candidate to become new sporting director: Reports

Arsenal have reportedly identified former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth as a potential replacement for ex-Gunners sporting director Edu Gaspar, who left earlier this November.

Earlier this weekend, Manchester United parted ways with Ashworth over a reported rift about the team's summer business. They had hired the former Newcastle United chief ahead of the start of the ongoing 2024-25 campaign.

Now, according to The Sun, Arsenal are monitoring Ashworth's situation due to his recent exit from Manchester United. Gunners managing director Richard Garlick could prove to be a key figure as he has a relationship with Ashworth.

Meanwhile, Everton are also interested in hiring Ashworth in the future.

On the other hand, Edu is serving a six-month period of gardening leave after stepping down from his role at Arsenal last month. He will soon assume a senior role at the network of teams owned by businessman Evangelos Marinakis.

Manchester United star labelled 'undroppable'

Earlier this Saturday (December 7), Manchester United crashed to a 3-2 Premier League loss against Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. Nikola Milenkovic, Morgan Gibbs-White, and Chris Wood scored a goal apiece for the visitors. Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes bagged a goal each for the hosts.

After the end of the league clash, former Red Devils midfielder Owen Hargreaves provided his two cents on Red Devils head coach Ruben Amorim's team selection. He told Premier League Productions (h/t Metro):

"I was surprised [Noussair] Mazraoui didn't play, I think he's been Manchester United's best player this season, but he probably wanted to give someone else an opportunity. Luke Shaw came back and now he's back out, so he hasn't been able to find a settled team. I do think his team in the end will be Mazraoui, [Leny] Yoro, [Lisandro] Martinez, I think that'll be his back three."

Hargreaves, who represented the Red Devils from 2007 to 2011, added:

"[Kobbie] Mainoo was in there, he hasn't had a settled back three, he hasn't had a settled midfield two, and at the top of the pitch he's rotating. I think he's trying to find who is going to fit in this formation."

Asked if Marcus Rashford is a starter for his former club, he responded:

"I think he's an option but none of the boys at the top of the pitch are undroppable outside of Amad [Diallo] maybe."

So far this campaign, Amad Diallo has contributed three goals and six assists in 21 matches across competitions for the Old Trafford outfit.