Gary Neville slammed three Manchester United transfers which he believes were examples of the club playing Football Manager.

Neville is hopeful that United will finally get it right after a period in which he believes the club effectively played Football Manager when it came to signings.

"The more I think about it, what the Glazers have done is show blind loyalty to people who have been really good to them over a long period of time at the club. Ed Woodward was at the club for 10-12 years before he became CEO, he was working on the commercial side. They've been very loyal to him and believed everything he said. I'm sure Ed believed in what he was doing as well.

"I said it probably 10 years ago, it was like they were playing Football Manager. "They can go and have a look at some of the best players in the world. [Angel] Di Maria, [Radamel] Falcao, [Zlatan] Ibrahimovic and they played Football Manager with the club for 10 years without having serious people operating the club, which other clubs have. It's unbelievable."

INEOS' 25 per cent stake in United is set to be confirmed this week, while an official approach for Ashworth has been made.

The two clubs still need to negotiate as his deal stipulates he cannot work for another club until 2025 unless compensation is agreed.

Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales said: "We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately. We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."