Ashworth on Garden Leave Amidst Interest from Manchester United
Newcastle United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has been placed on gardening leave after expressing his desire to join Manchester United. The Red Devils are targeting Ashworth as part of their ambitious overhaul of the club, inspired by their partnership with Ineos. However, talks between the two clubs have not commenced yet.
A major stumbling block in Ashworth’s potential move to Manchester United is his existing contract with Newcastle. The 52-year-old is bound to the club until 2025, unless compensation is agreed upon. As a result, Newcastle believes they have the right to demand a fee well over £10m from Manchester United. On the other hand, the Old Trafford outfit is determined not to be held to ransom.
Dan Ashworth has garnered a reputation as one of the best sporting directors in the game. However, there have been murmurs from St James’ Park suggesting that he is partly responsible for the ill-fated £55m signing of Italy midfielder Sandro Tonali from AC Milan in July. Tonali’s time at Newcastle was short-lived, as he made just 12 appearances before being banned for 10 months due to a breach of gambling regulations in Italy. This means he will be unable to play until August.
If Ineos, who are expected to confirm their 25% ownership of Manchester United this week, manage to strike a deal for Ashworth, it would mark another significant move by the chemical company. It is understood that Ashworth is keen on a move to Old Trafford, as he has developed a relationship with Ineos head of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, during his previous role at the Football Association (FA).
Ashworth’s influence on youth development is notable. In 2017, he played a crucial role in England’s success at the Under-17 and Under-20 World Cups. His expertise also extended to club level, as he helped shape Brighton’s ascent in the Premier League by facilitating the appointment of Graham Potter as manager after Chris Hughton’s departure.
Before joining Newcastle in 2022, Dan Ashworth took a break from the sport after leaving Brighton. Now, with Manchester United’s interest and Ineos’ potential involvement, Ashworth may be on the verge of a new chapter in his career.
In conclusion, Dan Ashworth’s desire to join Manchester United has put him on gardening leave at Newcastle United. The negotiations between the two clubs have yet to commence, and a major obstacle is Ashworth’s existing contract with Newcastle. Despite the potential roadblocks, Ashworth’s reputation as a top sporting director and his previous success in youth development make him an attractive prospect for Manchester United. If Ineos confirms their ownership stake in the club, it could further facilitate Ashworth’s move to Old Trafford. Only time will tell if this significant move will materialize and shape the future of both clubs involved.