Newcastle issue statement on Dan Ashworth confirming sporting director’s exit

Newcastle have confirmed that sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on a period of gardening leave amid interest from Manchester United.

There is a lot of change coming to Old Trafford with Sir Jim Ratcliffe becoming minority shareholder and INEOS taking control of football operations at the club. It has long been reported that United want to make the Newcastle chief their sporting director after making him their No. 1 start.

United want to take Ashworth from St. James’ Park for him to take up the same role, although with more power, at Old Trafford. The move is very much INEOS driven.

Darren Eales, Newcastle’s CEO, has told the club in a statement this afternoon: “We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn’t stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately. We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future.”

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It was reported on Sunday night that Newcastle officials were ‘furious’ by United’s approach for Ashworth.

Another change we can expect to see at United is the exit for first-team coach Eric Ramsay, who is attracting interest from MLS side Minnesota United.

Ramsay had interest from Championship clubs not long ago and is highly respected in the English game. While he currently works under Erik ten Hag, he previously worked under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Ralf Rangnick.

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