Newcastle’s Plan to Replace Ashworth as Magpies Demand £20m from Man Utd
Newcastle United is making plans to appoint a new sporting director in the coming months, regardless of whether Dan Ashworth fulfills the full length of his gardening leave at the club. Ashworth, 52, expressed his desire to join Manchester United and has been placed on gardening leave. However, if the Red Devils fail to pay a significant compensation package, Ashworth will officially leave the club in early 2026.
Ashworth is currently the highest paid sporting director in the Premier League, and Newcastle is approaching their Financial Fair Play limit. Despite this, the Magpies are furious at Manchester United’s move for Ashworth and are willing to let him serve the duration of his gardening leave while also appointing his replacement.
Potential candidates to replace Ashworth include Brentford’s Phil Giles, former Roma director Tiago Pinto, and ex-Spurs head of recruitment Paul Mitchell.
If Manchester United pays the necessary compensation to extract Ashworth from his gardening leave, he could start working at Old Trafford this year. Omar Berrada has already agreed to join Manchester United as the new CEO, and Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will appoint a head of recruitment who will report to Ashworth. Additionally, Sam Jewell, a previous target, has agreed to join Chelsea from Brighton.
Newcastle United is determined to demand a £20 million compensation package from Manchester United for Dan Ashworth’s departure. The Magpies are not willing to let the Red Devils off easily and are demanding a substantial amount for losing their sporting director.
In conclusion, Newcastle United is preparing for life without Dan Ashworth and is actively seeking a replacement. Whether Ashworth fulfills his gardening leave or joins Manchester United depends on the compensation package paid by the Red Devils. The Magpies are determined to secure a suitable replacement for Ashworth and are considering several potential candidates. It remains to be seen how this situation will unfold, but one thing is clear – Newcastle United is not backing down.