Manchester United’s Confidence in Newcastle’s Dan Ashworth Fee Negotiations
Manchester United are confident of striking a financial compensation package with Newcastle United to end Dan Ashworth’s gardening leave early. The 52-year-old has been placed on leave by the Magpies after he informed them of his desire to join Manchester United. Newcastle are furious at how it has played out, with the Red Devils speaking to Ashworth about becoming their new sporting director before approaching the club. As it stands, Ashworth will serve the full duration of his 20-month gardening leave before moving to Old Trafford in late 2025. Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who completed his investment in the club on Tuesday, is adamant that Ashworth needs to start his role sooner. Newcastle are demanding as much as £20m to release Ashworth from his gardening leave, which would be the highest amount ever paid in football for a single non-playing member of staff. The Red Devils will not entertain paying such a figure, and have made it known that they’re willing to wait for Ashworth.
But the Athletic say United’s preference is to strike an agreement and that they’re confident Newcastle will lower their demands. The Magpies are precariously close to their Financial Fair Play limit, which prevented them from making a signing in January. The likes of Kieran Trippier, Callum Wilson and Almiron were all heavily linked with exits, to free up space. And the Red Devils think Newcastle will cave on their demands for Ashworth as they need the money to improve their financial position.
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