Dan Ashworth has now informed Newcastle that Man Utd have approached him over the sporting director role at Old Trafford.
This comes from The Athletic’s main man David Ornstein, who claims that a formal offer is imminent from the Red Devils as the two clubs prepare to discuss a potential move.
Ornstein reports that Ashworth is open to swapping St James’ Park for Old Trafford, but warns that Man Utd will have to fork out a significant compensation package to land the 52-year-old.
Elsewhere, The Mail’s Craig Hope has released a Wednesday night exclusive on Ashworth’s future, claiming the two parties are expected to reach an agreement as early as next week.
This suggests it’s a matter of when Ashworth ends up at Man Utd, not if, with Hope adding that Newcastle are keen to find a swift conclusion to this saga, allowing us to move on and find a replacement for the former Brighton chief. That said, The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards reports that we will “not just roll over and let him leave” and will fight to keep him on Tyneside.
Hope also states that Ashworth h has a close relationship with INEOS director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, also stating that he hasn’t had as much control as he expected under our new owners; not that there’s been any fall out.
🚨 Dan Ashworth has informed Newcastle that Man Utd have approached him relating to sporting director role at Old Trafford. Clubs not yet in formal contact but expected soon. #MUFC would need to pay #NUFC significant compensation to for 52yo @TheAthleticFC https://t.co/jGgyFOWGmX
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) February 14, 2024
We should make it as difficult as possible just like they do to us.
If he’s under contract hold him to it, If he has a certain period before he can join another club make him serve it.
F### them
Porkpie(Quote)
He is NUFC’s most valuable asset atm. No way should he be allowed to move.
PremAndUp(Quote)
Very disappointed if this is true. We waited a long time for him to join us, and if he leaves for ManU, I will feel that he is rather treacherous, or treasonous. Considering he is probably with the richest club in the world, why would he want to leave? If he does leave, he will leave with some animosity.
burnettbill(Quote)
He’s hardly helped assemble a balanced squad , what’s his record here? Dubravka on loan without a recall allowing him to be cuptied, tonali, and an inability to move on squad players all on his watch, take the compo and move on
@a(Quote)
Not sure what all the fuss is about with this fella. He’s literally failed to move much of the deadwood out of the club permanently and royally f*cked up with a massive lack of due diligence on Tonali. No great loss as far as I can see.
Gaz(Quote)