Man Utd ready to make another big appointment with former Red Devils player set to join Dan Ashworth's transfer team

After roping in Ashworth as the new sporting director of the club, United are now edging closer to appointing their former player Michael Appleton as the loan manager, according to The Sun. Appleton graduated from the Red Devils' youth academy and played for several clubs across England before retiring in 2003. He later went on to manage clubs like Portsmouth, Blackburn Rovers and Leicester City.

The report further claims that Appleton will join the transfer team headed by Ashworth and will be in charge of managing the loan deals in and out. Ex-Tranmere manager Les Perry used to handle the loan deals earlier but he is now all set to be replaced by Appleton.

The 48-year-old had earlier worked with Ashworth at West Brom where he began his coaching career as a caretaker manager in 2011. The duo are known to share a very close bond.

After losing two out of their first three pre-season friendlies including a defeat against Arsenal, Erik ten Hag's side will next face Real Betis on July 31 at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego.