Manchester United could trump Liverpool with Dan Ashworth a better appointment than Richard Hughes.
That is according to former Nottingham Forest, Watford and West Brom sporting director Luke Dowling.
United are keen on Newcastle sporting director Ashworth and remain hopeful of appointing him.
Liverpool, on the other hand, have moved swiftly to appoint Bournemouth technical director Hughes as part of their plan for life without Jurgen Klopp.
Speaking on White and Jordan, Dowling revealed he believes the Red Devils are getting a better deal with Ashworth compared to Liverpool with Hughes.
“I think Dan’s reputation tells you that Man United have the better person, in my opinion,” he told talkSPORT.
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“I think about what he has done with the FA, the impact he had at Brighton, and what he would have built at Newcastle longer-term.
“I sit here and say that if we look back in five years, I think Man United would have had a better deal with Dan Ashworth.
“That is not to say Richard Hughes is not capable, of course he is.
“Some of his recruitment at Bournemouth has been brilliant, the Nathan Ake’s of this world, Dominic Solanke, [the Cherries] have signed some great players.
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“I think it will really help Richard going in with his relationship with Michael Edwards [incoming CEO of football] and will help him settle in.
“The best thing Richard Hughes has got at Liverpool is Barry Hunter [chief scout] and Dave Fallows [head of recruitment], who are exceptional at their jobs and phenomenal.
“That is what Hughes has got that Dan Ashworth hasn’t.”
Dowling, though, waxed lyrical over the qualities Ashworth could bring to Old Trafford.
“I think when he joins Man United, whenever that will be, from a supporters point of view, they will just look at signings, because that is what fans do, and rightly so,” he added.
“Though what Dan will do is go in and look at everything – the recruitment, structure, medical side, injury record this season, and how to improve it.
“He will also look at the travel, how they travel, so Dan will go in, and I am sure first and foremost it will be players and how they can improve on the pitch.
“Though he will look at every department and play a massive part in the academy.
“Dan will go in, yes, recruitment is a massive thing behind any football club, but behind that, he will go through things that supporters don’t see.”