Manchester United are making enemies with other clubs due to their ruthless recruitment drive, according to reports.
The Red Devils, whose football operations are now led by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, have been aggressive in their pursuit of individuals in recent months. They've already landed Omar Berrada, who will come in as CEO in the summer, from rivals Manchester City as they bolster their quality off the pitch.
Since then Ratcliffe has targeted Newcastle chief Dan Ashworth and Southampton's Jason Wilcox. Both men have looked to force through moves to Old Trafford with Ashworth now placed on gardening leave and Wilcox said to have resigned from his role at St Mary's.
As a result The Sun has reported that club chiefs up and down the country have discussed the nature of United's aggressive recruitment. Many are unhappy about their behaviour with Ratcliffe, so far, being halted in his moves.
Ashworth moved to St James' Park after impressing at Brighton and Hove Albion. He's not long been in his role with Newcastle but has expressed a desire to leave and move to Manchester. The Magpies have demanded a huge compensation fee, which United are currently refusing to pay.
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Newcastle are prepared to stand their ground which could leave Ashworth having to see out his contract before he can move to Old Trafford. Wilcox meanwhile was director of football at promotion chasing Southampton, but the Saints have been angered by the nature of United's approach.
United had offered a year of Wilcox's salary to the Championship club as compensation. Sources at Southampton claim the Red Devils were only given permission to speak to Wilcox on the condition that their offer would be far more generous.
The club have gone after Newcastle's Sporting Director Dan Ashworth (Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)Wilcox has a 12-month notice period and Southampton are more than willing to dig their heels in to get the necessary cash. Wilcox previously worked at the Etihad under Berrada and United want him to play a role in their set-up moving forward.
The future of Erik ten Hag remains unclear beyond this season. The Dutchman has failed to kick on from a promising debut campaign with the Manchester outfit facing the prospect of no Champions League football next term. They could yet win a trophy, but a list of managerial replacements are being drawn up.
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