Manchester United’s interest 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.
United have stagnated behind the scenes since the Glazers’ 2005 takeover of the club, and Sir Alex Ferguson’s departure 11 years ago exposed their shortcomings as owners.
The Red Devils have won four trophies since 2013 but have not mounted credible challenges in either of the competitions they would most want to: the Premier League and the Champions League.
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, Newcastle and the English FA.
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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.
Newcastle’s fans have been pointing out on social media how United once asked their club for a significant loan fee for Jesse Lingard in January 2022 when the England midfielder was out of contract at the end of that season.
🗓️ January 2022: Man Utd ask Newcastle to pay a six-month loan package worth £16.5m for Jesse Lingard.🗓️ February 2024: Man Utd are asking Newcastle not to price them out of a move for Dan Ashworth.You've made your bed #MUFC, now lie in it…#NUFC | (@TheAthleticFC) https://t.co/YzMWnyMheO pic.twitter.com/sj5L1zYRSQ
— NUFCBlog.co.uk (@NUFCblogcouk) February 15, 2024
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.”
The BBC reports that Ashworth’s contract would prohibit him from working for another club until 2025 if he leaves Newcastle without the North-East club receiving a compensation package.