Man Utd eye Mikel Gonzalez to replace Dan Ashworth | OneFootball

Manchester United have expressed genuine interest in Athletic Bilbao sporting director Mikel Gonzalez as they search for a Dan Ashworth successor behind the scenes.

However, the Basque side remains confident that Gonzalez will stay at the club despite the advances from Man United.

With Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS aiming to revamp the current Man Utd recruitment strategy, Gonzalez’s track record at Athletic has caught their attention.

Gonzalez has been operating within the well-known confines of San Mames football. Bilbao only sign players born in the Basque Country (Spain and France) or who learned football at a Basque club.

Man United snapped up Ashworth as their sporting director after a protracted battle with Newcastle United, but the Englishman only lasted five months on the job before leaving.

Man United are now looking for a new sporting director, and Gonzalez, a native of Bilbao, is a target after moving up from the director of development role.

Gonzalez currently leads all football programs at Athletic while overseeing the implementation of the sports department’s plan, which includes a strategy for first-team football and their Lezama training centre. He has a pivotal role in squad planning, loan deals and young player development.

It remains to be seen when Man United can pry Gonzalez from Bilbao. The Spanish side seems confident in keeping the 37-year-old.

If United remain keen on bringing in a new sporting director from Spain, they should look at top operators like Atletico Madrid stalwart Andrea Berta and Real Madrid maestro Juni Calafat. The pair are two of the best in the business and could help lift the Red Devils out of their current mess.

Man United could also consider a move for Paris Saint-Germain Luis Campos. The renowned sporting director might take the opportunity to prove his mettle in England.