Newcastle United-bound technical director Dan Ashworth was reportedly a target of Manchester United's before he decided to join the Magpies.
Ashworth, who resigned as Brighton's technical director in February, is currently being made to see out his notice period - meaning it is likely to be November before he arrives at St James' Park.
However, it has emerged that before quitting Brighton the 51-year-old was on Manchester United's radar as they look to restructure their own hierarchy.
According to the Athletic, there was contact from the Red Devils to Ashworth over a possible switch to Old Trafford.