Manchester United has announced the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, a significant move as the club undergoes a restructuring under new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe. Ashworth joins from Newcastle United after months of negotiations, bringing with him a wealth of experience and success in football operations.
Jim Ratcliffe, Manchester United’s chief, is reportedly facing a significant increase in his offer for Dan Ashworth, the former FA technical director. Ratcliffe initially made a £2 million offer for Ashworth, which has been deemed insufficient by Newcastle United, who currently employ Ashworth on an 18-month gardening leave. Newcastle is now reportedly demanding at least £15 million, with an additional £5 million in add-ons, for Ashworth’s services. Ratcliffe’s pursuit of Ashworth is part of sweeping changes he plans for Manchester United’s hierarchy, including the appointment of Omar Berrada as CEO and Jason Wilcox as technical director. Newcastle is seeking a replacement for Ashworth and would prefer a candidate with Premier League experience. Ratcliffe has expressed his frustration with the gardening leave situation, acknowledging that it hinders clubs from making swift changes.
Newcastle United’s transfer chief Dan Ashworth is heavily linked with a move to Manchester United, and club legend Alan Shearer believes it’s only a matter of time before a deal is finalized. United has been looking to bolster their backroom staff, and Ashworth’s experience and success at Newcastle have made him a prime candidate for the sporting director role.
Despite a compensation package demand of £15 million from Newcastle, Shearer is confident that an agreement will be reached soon. Ashworth joined the Magpies last year but could be reunited with former colleagues at Old Trafford, including Jason Wilcox and Sir David Brailsford, who have recently joined United’s backroom team.
