Manchester United has recently made a formal offer for Newcastle United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth. This move comes as part of an overhaul of the football operations at Old Trafford led by the new minority shareholder, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. According to sources, United considers Ashworth a top target for this restructuring effort.
In response to Ashworth’s interest in joining Manchester United, Newcastle United has placed him on gardening leave. The club’s CEO, Darren Eales, expressed disappointment at Ashworth’s decision to leave but acknowledged that the process to recruit a new sporting director will commence promptly.
Newcastle believes they are well protected due to Ashworth’s contract situation, making them within their rights to demand a significant fee of more than £10 million. Reports suggest that Newcastle could ask for a total fee ranging from £15m to £20m. However, Manchester United is cautious about breaching profit and sustainability rules and does not want to exacerbate Newcastle’s financial struggles while worsening their own situation.
United is considering paying a lower amount of compensation for Ashworth’s services, with the possibility of him being on gardening leave until February 2025. This cautious approach reflects the club’s concerns about financial implications and the desire to manage the situation prudently. The impending appointment of Erik ten Hag as manager and John Murtough as current football director signifies United’s proactive planning for the future.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has expressed concerns about Ashworth potentially taking valuable knowledge to Manchester United. This underscores the competitive nature of the football industry and the strategic importance of talent acquisition. United has also shown interest in further bolstering their recruitment department by considering potential appointments like Southampton’s Jason Wilcox and Brighton’s Sam Jewell.
Overall, the challenge of recruiting Dan Ashworth highlights the complexities involved in talent acquisition in modern football. As clubs strive to enhance their operations and compete at the highest levels, negotiations and compensation issues play a crucial role in shaping the landscape of the sport. Manchester United’s pursuit of Ashworth exemplifies the strategic decisions and financial considerations that clubs must navigate in the pursuit of success.
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