Newcastle officials ‘furious’ as Manchester United close in on sporting director

Manchester United have approached Dan Ashworth about becoming sporting director and he has been put on gardening leave after revealing his intentions to Newcastle.

According to The Times, ‘furious’ officials at Newcastle will demand £15 million to release Dan Ashworth from his 20-month gardening leave period to become the new sporting director at Old Trafford.

Newcastle officials are said to be furious at the manner of United’s approach for Ashworth. The upset sits with how the Reds have not yet made an official approach to them about the move, but in our defence we’ve had to wait for Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s deal to be approved by the Premier League.

As a result, they have blocked any access the 52-year-old had to the club’s computer programmes and scouting reports, though it would be naïve for the Magpies to think Ashworth hasn’t already got a clear idea of what the club has planned for the foreseeable future with Eddie Howe still manager.

Ashworth leaving could also come as a blow for Howe, who may be hanging onto his job if Newcastle’s form in the league doesn’t improve.

It has also been reported by The Athletic that Ashworth has informed Newcastle of his intentions, which tells us – and everyone else – that he has been persuaded to make the move by INEOS.

Ratcliffe will hope he can broker a peace deal and a lower compensation figure than the excessive £15m being touted by the mainstream media.

INEOS want Ashworth in his sporting director role before 2025.

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