Dunn's argument goes like this: sporting directors aren't important, players are (to which you might ask: who signs those players?), and Ashworth would be no great loss to Newcastle United because Brighton managed fine without him (perhaps because they hired a replacement who Chelsea now want), but taking him to Old Trafford would be a significant statement of intent for Manchester United. Erm, sure.
Harry Kane could join Manchester United… apparently (Image credit: Getty Images)
In any case, the argument ends with a hypothetical example of how a show of ambition like recruiting one of the most highly-regarded directors of football in the game could get the best footballers in the land falling over themselves to make the move to West Manchester.
The example he cites, of course, is Kane, suggesting that if the centre-forward were somehow made a scapegoat for Bayern's lack of trophies this season despite his 28 goals in 29 games in competitions this season, he might want to move back to the Premier League.
And if he does, then the kind of ambition United have shown since Sir Jim Ratcliffe's arrival at the club - up to and including that potential move for Ashworth - would make them a far more attractive destination than they would have been previously.
Don't go rushing for the 'Harry Kane next club' betting markets just yet.
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Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
