Dan Ashworth ally sets Jim Ratcliffe straight after embarrassing comments & Man Utd approach

Last month, Man Utd co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe stated it would be “completely absurd” and “stupid” for Dan Ashworth to be sat doing nothing for the next 18 months during his period of gardening leave.

He described the whole situation as “a bit silly” when asked about our reported compensation demands – thought to be in the region of £20m – but Brighton CEO Paul Barber has set him straight on the ongoing saga.

Barber worked closely with Ashworth during their time together at the Amex and oversaw his move to Newcastle, where he was placed on gardening leave two years ago before a compensation package was eventually agreed.

Speaking to The Athletic about Ratcliffe’s approach, Barber has defended Newcastle’s stance and believes Ashworth will completely understand the notice period put in place to protect Newcastle, insisting Man Utd must pay up if they wish to bring him in sooner.

“I like Dan a lot. He is a friend and I enjoyed working with him, but in an area like technical director, Dan will be very aware that he was paid whatever he was paid at Newcastle and they had a notice period to protect him”, Barber said.

“He will be very aware that it goes both ways because he went through it with us. And so then the ball is in Manchester United’s court. If they decide they will pay it and accelerate him joining, that’s their choice.

“Gardening leave? I keep joking with Dan that if he does any more he’ll be the most skilled landscape gardener in the country, but that’s the nature of our business. If clubs are going to take each other’s staff, then there has to be financial compensation to shorten the notice period, or they have got to expect there is going to be a long wait.

“And the long wait is designed to protect our processes, our targets, our thinking. It’s only fair and Dan is a very fair guy.

“He will be the first to accept that this is the way it is and the ball is in Sir Jim’s (Ratcliffe’s) court.”