Manchester United considered moving for Dan Ashworth before Newcastle swooped for the departing Brighton technical director.

Ashworth, who resigned as Brighton's technical director in February, is currently being made to see out his notice period - meaning it is likely to be November before he arrives at St James' Park.

However, it has emerged that before quitting Brighton the 51-year-old was on Manchester United's radar as they look to restructure their own hierarchy.

The Athletic says there was contact from the Red Devils with Ashworth over a possible switch to Old Trafford.

The publication adds that it was not a formal offer or interview, but United sounded out Ashworth to see if a deal could be done.

A sticking point, though, was how Ashworth would have fitted into United's backroom structure. The Red Devils have promoted John Murtough from head of football development to football director, and ex-midfielder Darren Fletcher from academy coach to technical director.

At Newcastle, Ashworth's role is clearer, with the newly-rich Magpies wanting him to have greater control.