Manchester United set to continue talks with Newcastle over key appointment

Manchester United are prepare to continue talks with Newcastle as they work hard to appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.

Newcastle announced on Monday, 19 February, that Ashworth had left the club and been placed on gardening leave.

The 52-year-old is Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s top target to become sporting director at Old Trafford. A position he’s held at Newcastle, but the Magpies are demanding a compensation fee of up to £20 million to release Ashworth early, as per Football Insider.

Ratcliffe met with reporters last week and stressed that it is “silly” that such a talented man like Ashworth could spend over a year and half out of action if United refuse to pay compensation. That should be a warning to others when they’re approached for positions at the state-owned Tyneside club.

Respected football journalist Fabrizio Romano has provided a further update on Ashworth this morning. He claims the Reds are prepared to continue talks with the Magpies in the next days to agree on a compensation fee for the highly respected sporting director.

Romano stresses that United want Ashworth to be part of their project as soon as possible, with INEOS ready to push again in talks with Newcastle this week.

🔴 Manchester United are prepared to continue talks with Newcastle in the next days to agree on compensation for Dan Ashworth.

Man United want Ashworth to be part of their project as soon as possible, INEOS will try again. pic.twitter.com/JT6yEh15yS

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 26, 2024

Hopefully both clubs can reach a conclusion soon and Ashworth can finally get to work at United.

Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.