Manchester United new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has fallen out with Newcastle United over their handling of United's move to sign Dan Ashworth from the club.
The highly-rated English football administrator is top on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's radar as Manchester United new sporting director.
The club have thrown their weight on signing the 52-year-old with a ready proposal to Newcastle United.
Dan Ashworth, who is contracted to Newcastle United till 2026, was also ready for a switch to Old Trafford. Impressed with the Man United project under Sir Jim, Ashworth reportedly agreed terms with Man United and was ready to switch to Old Trafford.
Amidst Man United's interest in Ashworth, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe voiced his concerns, asking Newcastle to act swiftly as the Man United-bound football chief is in custody of the club's confidential information.
It is still unclear whether Newcastle United acted to the prompts of Eddie Howe but the club moved accordingly, placing Dan Ashworth on gardening leave till 2026.
This means Manchester United cannot sign Dan Ashworth until 2026 when the gardening leave will expire. However, United can still weather the hurdle of the gardening leave but must pay a 'significantly higher compensation' to Newcastle United.
Newcastle United's reaction underscores the decision of the club not to let Dan Ashworth leave but it appears they have raised the hackles of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Speaking in his first press conference after his Man United bid was ratified by all relevant English football bodies, Sir Jim Ratcliffe described Newcastle United's reaction as 'absurd and stupid.'
“It’s a bit silly, personally. I won't get dragged into that”.
“What I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years”.
“It’s absurd and stupid."
Despite Newcastle United's stand on Dan Ashworth, Ashworth is more likely to join Manchester United in the long run. Placing him on gardening leave at Newcastle means he will not be working for the Magpies either. Instead of losing his services and losing him for free after two years, it is more likely Newcastle United will settle for a deal for Ashworth but will demand a sizeable offer.
The highly-rated English football administrator is top on Sir Jim Ratcliffe's radar as Manchester United new sporting director.
The club have thrown their weight on signing the 52-year-old with a ready proposal to Newcastle United.
Dan Ashworth, who is contracted to Newcastle United till 2026, was also ready for a switch to Old Trafford. Impressed with the Man United project under Sir Jim, Ashworth reportedly agreed terms with Man United and was ready to switch to Old Trafford.
Amidst Man United's interest in Ashworth, Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe voiced his concerns, asking Newcastle to act swiftly as the Man United-bound football chief is in custody of the club's confidential information.
It is still unclear whether Newcastle United acted to the prompts of Eddie Howe but the club moved accordingly, placing Dan Ashworth on gardening leave till 2026.
This means Manchester United cannot sign Dan Ashworth until 2026 when the gardening leave will expire. However, United can still weather the hurdle of the gardening leave but must pay a 'significantly higher compensation' to Newcastle United.
Newcastle United's reaction underscores the decision of the club not to let Dan Ashworth leave but it appears they have raised the hackles of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Speaking in his first press conference after his Man United bid was ratified by all relevant English football bodies, Sir Jim Ratcliffe described Newcastle United's reaction as 'absurd and stupid.'
“It’s a bit silly, personally. I won't get dragged into that”.
“What I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years”.
“It’s absurd and stupid."
Despite Newcastle United's stand on Dan Ashworth, Ashworth is more likely to join Manchester United in the long run. Placing him on gardening leave at Newcastle means he will not be working for the Magpies either. Instead of losing his services and losing him for free after two years, it is more likely Newcastle United will settle for a deal for Ashworth but will demand a sizeable offer.