Newcastle United destroyed Manchester United at Old Trafford in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup last night, running out 3-0 winners courtesy of goals from Miguel Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock, a result which left Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp shocked.
The Magpies were the better team despite largely fielding a second-string side, and Gary Neville was impressed with what he saw.
The former Man United captain could not help but shower praise on Magpies sporting director Dan Ashworth for the good job he has done since joining the Toons from Brighton & Hove Albion.
Neville was fuming with how woeful things have been for the Red Devils on and off the pitch, and he took to social media platform X to blast the Man United board while showering encomium on Ashworth and Newcastle.
On my way up to the gantry last night I bumped into Dan Ashworth. He transformed the FA’s structure, set Brighton up for this incredible period of success and has now built a strong foundation for the new owners at Newcastle. He’s competent, highly qualified and knows what he’s…
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) November 2, 2023
The former West Bromwich Albion sporting and technical director joined the St James’ Park club in February 2022 and has helped turn their fortunes around.
Ashworth was shortlisted by Man United as a candidate for the technical director role in August 2018, and his expertise and experience could have come in handy for the Red Devils had he joined them.
However, the move fell through and he took up the post of Technical Director at Brighton shortly after he resigned as the FA director of elite development in September 2018.
Newcastle have made some smart recruitment since Ashworth’s arrival, finishing fourth in the Premier League and reaching the final of the Carabao Cup last term as a result.
They will be facing Chelsea in the quarter-finals of the competition this term and will fancy their chances of booking a place in the semi-finals.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe and his players deserve all the plaudits for the good work done so far, but Ashworth has been brilliant behind the scenes, and Neville surely wishes that Man United had someone like that at the Old Trafford club.
