Manchester United have added Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta to their shortlist of candidates to replace Dan Ashworth, according to Gianluca Di Marzio.
The Sky Sport Italia journalist claims that the 52-year-old is “one of the names being monitored” by the Red Devils.
Supporters on X are sceptical about whether Berta would be the right choice to succeed Ashworth:
Awful choice If true
— SSJVegeta (@Ban_Teemo_) December 8, 2024
Is he the guy who bought Felix?
— Nostalgia2 (@nostalgiaUTD) December 8, 2024
Don’t rush now, don’t make the same mistake twice
— Nihar Bhagat (@bhagat_nihar) December 8, 2024
All sorts of names will be thrown around now. If they don’t already have someone lined up, just shows how bad our recruitment is even further
— Loaded Lion #69 (@reddevilrooney) December 8, 2024
At least we will buy strong players
— Riffat Hayat (@riffattweet) December 8, 2024
What do fans need to know about Berta?
The Italian has been at Atletico since 2013. He was originally appointed as the Spanish team’s technical director before switching to his current role in the summer of 2017.
Berta’s most high-profile purchases include Thomas Lemar, Rodri, Joao Felix, Kieran Trippier, Alvaro Morata, Julian Alvarez and Conor Gallagher.
It is fair to say that he has had a mixed track record so fans’ scepticism about his appointment is justified.
United may consider hiring from within the club
It should be pointed out that head of recruitment Christopher Vivell was hired on an interim basis back in the summer and the German has previously been a technical director with both RB Leipzig and Chelsea.
For that reason, Vivell could be an option to succeed Ashworth, rather than opting for an external appointment. If he already has a good working relationship with chief executive Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox, it may be something that United consider.
Find out who is in Manchester United’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here
