Manchester United are close to confirming Dan Ashworth is clear to start work as their new sporting director.

Ashworth, 53, has been on gardening leave since February after telling Newcastle United he wanted to join the revamped set-up under Ineos at Old Trafford. The former FA and Brighton technical director had decided to take Newcastle to arbitration in an attempt to resolve the impasse.

But it is understood that talks between the clubs led to an out-of-court settlement late last week, which allows Ashworth to take up his new role immediately. "There's no point in Dan Ashworth doing nothing for 18 months," new United boss Sir Jim Ratcliffe told BBC sports editor Dan Rowan in February.

Ashworth has played for West Brom, FA and Brighton before joining Newcastle in 2022.

He has a long-standing relationship with Ineos head of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, dating back to Ashworth\'s spell at the FA.

Ashworth joins a revamped leadership group at Old Trafford after Jason Wilcox joined as technical director from Southampton, while senior former Manchester City executive, Omar Berrada, is set to join as chief executive. Sir Jim Ratcliffe became a minority shareholder of the club earlier this year, meaning his INEOS group is in charge of football operations.

After last season's disappointing campaign ended with the club winning the FA Cup, it was confirmed earlier this month that Erik ten Haag will remain as manager following a review by the club's board.