Dan Ashworth warned what he 'would be up against' in blunt Manchester United message

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson insists Dan Ashworth could struggle to persuade Manchester United to sign players of the same calibre that he brought in at Newcastle.

This week, MEN Sport reported Ashworth was open to moving to Old Trafford to take up the role of sporting director, replacing John Murtough. Last year, Sir Jim Ratcliffe established the 52-year-old as his top target for the job, with his friendship with Sir Dave Brailsford believed to be a key driving factor.

During his career, Ashworth has defined himself as one of the savviest recruiters in football, thanks to his work at both St James' Park and Brighton and Hove Albion. However, when analysing Newcastle's signings under Ashworth, the point was made by Kris Boyd about whether the Reds would sanction spending big money on players at smaller clubs.

READ MORE: 15 United squad members for Luton trip

READ MORE: Ratcliffe's plan gets stroke of luck

In a passionate response by Merson on Soccer Saturday, he explained: "This is what he is going to be up against, exactly what you said, which one of them is a Man United player. That’s the problem, Man United keep on going out and buying superstars.

"(Tino) Livramento could play for Man United, why couldn’t he? He gets up and down. (Anthony) Gordon is a major threat on the counter-attack and does better than a lot of players for them. The lad who has just been banned (Sandro Tonali) is a good player, a really good midfielder. (Sven) Botman is a top-draw centre half and could easily play for Man United.

"They could all play for Man United but people go: ‘Oh I wouldn’t buy him, he’s from Lille. I won’t buy him, he’s from Everton, how can we be buying someone from Everton, we’re Man United.’

"They have got to