‘I’m not sure’ - Roy Keane raises ‘loyalty’ doubt about Dan Ashworth joining Man Utd

Roy Keane has questioned whether Dan Ashworth will jump ship to Real Madrid or Barcelona shortly after joining Manchester United.

The 52-year-old is less than two years into his tenure at Newcastle United and has attracted interest from Old Trafford. Eddie Howe revealed to reporters ahead of the clash against Bournemouth that Ashworth has not committed his future to the Magpies.

Reports have suggested a deal could be reached as early as next week - although the Red Devils are yet to make an official approach. Ashworth’s exit would leave a sour taste for Newcastle fans who expected him to stay for the long haul.

The club’s Saudi-backed ownership headhunted the former Brighton chief as the man to spearhead their sporting revolution on Tyneside. Champions League football was achieved in his first season at St James’ Park, largely due to Eddie Howe’s intuition from the dugout.

But a premature exit would leave the Magpies feeling short-changed given the efforts made to prise him from Brighton in 2022. Speaking on The Overlap, former Man United captain Keane raised doubts about Ashworth’s loyalty ahead of the potential move.

"You're talking about Dan Ashworth coming into Manchester United and being the best for the job,” Keane said. “But he doesn't seem to hang around for long, does he? I’m not sure loyalty is at the top of his list.

“He was at Brighton for a few years and he's only been at Newcastle for a couple of seasons, so you have to look at that too. There's no doubt he's brilliant at his job, but who is to say he won't leave in 18 months for Real Madrid or Barcelona."