Former Newcastle defender reacts to Dan Ashworth ‘blow’ amid Manchester United chase

Former Newcastle defender Steve Howey thinks he knows why Dan Ashworth has decided to leave St. James’ Park to take up a new role at Manchester United.

They will be coming up with all sorts of theories on Tyneside about Ashworth’s exit. Some of them conspiracy.

Ashworth is credited for being central to everything that goes on at Newcastle. He was responsible for connecting different areas of the club together to make sure everyone is on the same page.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ The Football Show, former Newcastle man Howey claimed that Ashworth has been promised a role with greater reign by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“It’s a blow,” said Howey, as quoted by the Geordie Boot Boys. “I think we all know the, for what of a better word, the hype around him. Everybody knows how good he is at what he does.

“Of course Newcastle went out and got him which is brilliant news but ultimately Man United have come in and let’s be honest at the end of the day it is Manchester United.

“He obviously feels as though he’s getting more reign, I don’t know how much major input he had at Newcastle but he’s obviously had discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and has been told what he can and can’t do.”

We all know that when INEOS came knocking with an offer to become sporting director at Manchester United that Ashworth rubbed his hands together and jumped at the opportunity. When (still an ‘if’) he eventually moves to Old Trafford, he will be sitting on the top tree in football.

Newcastle can’t say that and this is proof that they will never be able to step on our toes.

On Tuesday, Newcastle announced that Ashworth would be placed on gardening leave and later that evening United made a formal request for his services to the club.

Now we must wait for negotiations between the two clubs to take place. INEOS will aim for a quick conclusion.

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