Manchester United’sinterest in snaring Dan Ashworth has been a hot topic over the last week or so, as Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos get to work on modernising the football structure at the club.
Under the Glazers, they have made a habit of appointing the wrong people in important roles but under Ratcliffe, the signs are encouraging that that could soon be about to change.
Dan Ashworth, Newcastle’s sporting director, has been earmarked by United for a similar role at Old Trafford.
Newcastle demand £20m compensation fee for Dan Ashworth
Ashworth has built a reputation as one of the best sporting directors in England through his time with West Brom, Brighton,Newcastleand the English FA.
Newcastle have reportedly put a £20m price tag on Ashworth’s head and he was placed on gardening leave over the weekend after telling the St James’ Park club that he wants to leave.
Paying such a lofty amount for a non-playing member of staff is uncommon in football, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the investment wouldn’t be worth it for United.
One Newcastle fan wrote: “I tell you what was an unrealistic sum… That loan fee they wanted for Lingard. Cheeky s*****,” while another wrote: “When negotiating the Ashworth fee, I hope we remember they tried to get £12m off us for a 6 month Jesse Lingard loan.”
Liam has 10 years' experience in journalism, having previously operated as the Manchester Evening News' associate football editor, and as an editor for the Daily Mirror, the Daily Express and the Daily Star.
