As Manchester United manager, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s first job will be to select a new sporting director.

MEN Sport reports that incumbent John Murtough wowed INEOS fact-finding excursions to Carrington. They remain persuaded, however, that a new sporting director is essential to push United in the right direction.

Murtough is expected to remain in an administrative capacity at United until a replacement is found. According to the Manchester Evening News, Ratcliffe’s primary aim is Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth, who has overseen a rise at St James’ Park and his previous club Brighton.

Meanwhile, The Telegraph reports that a host of names are being explored. We looked at the candidates’ transfer success tales.

Dan Ashworth

Newcastle’s sporting director may have an unlimited budget, but he has selected his targets well. Tino Livramento has been a revelation as the Magpies continue to recruit effectively. Anthony Gordon was a solid purchase. Ashcroft’s record at Brighton was stellar, having unearthed quality players like Moises Caicedo, Marc Cucurella, and Kaoru Mitoma from the depths of the club before promoting them to the first team.

Julian Ward

Ward served as technical director in Liverpool’s boardroom until May of this year, when he was moved to sports director in the final year of his Anfield employment. While the Reds’ recent transfer business has not been remarkable, some important acquisitions have occurred. Diogo Jota stood out during Ward’s term.

Dougie Freedman

Crystal Palace’s sporting director has enjoyed a fruitful spell at Selhurst Park. One of his most recent notable arrivals was Marc Guehi from Chelsea, who has quickly established himself as a regular and has been linked with a move to Manchester United. Freedman has also used the loan market extensively, bringing in players such as Conor Gallagher and Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Paul Mitchell

Mitchell, a United fan favorite, has a solid reputation from his previous work at Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur. Bringing Heung Min-Son, Dele Alli, and Kieran Trippier to Tottenham displayed his knowledge and set the club up for a successful period under Mauricio Pochettino.

Lee Congerton

The Welshman has been a member of Atalanta’s recruitment squad since 2022, but he was previously the chief scout for Leicester City. During this time, the Foxes signed Wesley Fofana, Youri Tielemans, and James Maddison.

Paolo Maldini and Ricky Massara

Maldini and Massara, former AC Milan teammates, were astute transfer market operators in Italy. Their purchases were a mix of youth and experience. From Chelsea, Olivier Giroud proved to be a cheap and savvy signing, while Fikayo Tomori has developed in stature. Rafael Leao, a former Lille player, was possibly their most significant signing, immediately becoming one of Europe’s most sought-after players.

Andrea Berta

Atletico Madrid’s long-serving sporting director has helped the club regain popularity in Spain. Among his major signings are Rodri, Thomas Lemar, and Rodrigo de Paul.