And all he wants is a manager who doesn't make waves; takes the stick and doesn't threaten to walk; and can be used like a puppet.
For all the hype either way about Alan Pardew’s losing and winning runs, he has now won 69 games in charge and lost 69 games in charge, drawing 41.
He is a steady hand on the tiller for Ashley.
This week he will approach his four anniversary at the club with a win percentage of just under 39%.
If United stay in the top ten this season (Ashley's ambition) the owner will have no cause to complain.
The rest of us want a cup win, European football and a belief we can regularly challenge the top four.
But that won't come with either Ashley or Pardew.