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9 months ago
49 Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has suggested that Newcastle have a bit of growing up to do if they opt to place Dan Ashworth on lengthily gardening leave.
The British billionaire saw his deal completed to become 27.7% stakeholder at Manchester United on Tuesday night. Now, with help from INEOS Sports, he is tasked with reshaping the football structure at Old Trafford.
One of INEOS’ current priorities is to hire Dan Ashworth as sporting director.
The former Brighton director has been placed on gardening leave at Newcastle, who are reportedly refusing to let him start work at Old Trafford until United pay a £15-20m compensation package.
Speaking to reporters as United’s new co-owner on Wednesday, Ratcliffe praised Ashworth for his willing to take a step up in career by swapping St James’ Park for Old Trafford.
“Dan Ashworth is clearly one of top sporting directors in the world,” he said, as quoted by The Athletic. “I have no doubt he is a very capable person.
“He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world.
“It would be different at [Manchester] City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition. He needs to decide if he is going to make that jump.
“We have had words with Newcastle who would be disappointed. They have done really well since their new ownership. I understand why they would be disappointed but then you can’t criticise Dan because it’s a transient industry.
“You can understand why Dan would be interested because it’s the ultimate challenge. We’ll have to see how it unfolds.”
Then Ratcliffe was asked about the hefty compensation package being demanded by Newcastle. The 71-year-old stressed how negotiations with Man City over Omar Berrada went smoothly, hinting that Newcastle have a bit of growing up to do.
“A bit silly, personally,” Ratcliffe said on paying such a big fee for a sporting director. “I won’t get dragged into that.
“What I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years.
“We had a very grown-up conversation with City about Omar Berrada. When things got done we sorted it out very amicably. They could see why he wanted to take that challenge.
“You look at Pep [Guardiola] and when he’s done with one of his footballers he doesn’t want them to sit in the garden for one and a half years. He doesn’t do that. That’s not the way the UK works or the law works.”
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