Manchester United’s New Co-Owner Criticizes Newcastle’s Decision Regarding Dan Ashworth
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new co-owner of Manchester United, has not held back in criticizing Newcastle United’s decision to place Dan Ashworth on gardening leave and their demand for a £20 million compensation fee. Ratcliffe, who recently completed a £1.3 billion partial takeover of United, is determined to improve the club’s hierarchy by appointing Ashworth as their first-ever sporting director.
Ratcliffe believes that Ashworth is one of the top sporting directors in the world and has expressed his disappointment with Newcastle’s approach to negotiations. He emphasized the importance of recruitment in modern football and highlighted Manchester United’s need to excel in this aspect to compete with other top clubs.
When asked about the possibility of Ashworth joining United, Ratcliffe expressed confidence in the 52-year-old’s capabilities and interest in taking on the challenge of rebuilding the club. He acknowledged Newcastle’s disappointment but stressed that the football industry is transient and individuals like Ashworth seek new challenges.
Regarding Newcastle’s demand for a £20 million compensation fee, Ratcliffe described it as “silly” and criticized the idea of a talented professional like Ashworth being sidelined for an extended period. He emphasized the need for a more amicable approach to negotiations, citing examples from other clubs where transitions were handled smoothly.
As Ratcliffe continues to navigate the complexities of club ownership and management, his bold statements and commitment to improving Manchester United’s structure have garnered attention from fans and pundits alike. With the potential addition of Dan Ashworth as sporting director, United could be on track for a significant transformation in the coming seasons.