Manchester United’s sporting director target Dan Ashworth is heading on his way to Old Trafford soon and his move to the club ‘isn’t really in any doubt’.
Journalist Ben Jacobs has informed GIVEMESPORT that club-to-club talks are anticipated to result in a compromise.
Just a few weeks after taking office, INEOS chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who had just finished buying a minority stake in the Red Devils, has already begun to try and establish his reputation by trying to manage significant behind-the-scenes changes.
What Man United have been told
According to the Shields Gazette, Man United have been told that they will need to pay a £21 million compensation fee in order to appoint Ashworth before his gardening leave expires in January 2026.
This is because Amanda Staveley, the co-owner of Newcastle, is not willing to compromise on her demands.
Jacobs knows that Ashworth will ultimately be appointed as the Red Devils’ next sporting director, but he has refused to rule out the idea that Man United will wait it out if Newcastle keeps pushing for more than £20 million.
Man United are expected to get their man
The respected reporter feels that the Public Investment Fund’s choice to place England’s former director of development on gardening leave indicated that a change is imminent, and as further talks continue, there is increasing optimism that a compromise will be achieved in the end.
Jacobs told GIVEMESPORT:
“If Manchester United get to a point where they are prepared to wait, whether it gets done today, tomorrow or next week becomes less relevant because they have got more time.
“Everyone knows that Dan Ashworth will end up at Manchester United. His move to Old Trafford isn’t really in any doubt, otherwise Newcastle wouldn’t have announced that he was leaving.
“It’s just a case of ironing out the club-to-club negotiations, and I eventually expect a compromise to be reached.”
More changes expected at the club
With Sir Dave Brailsford being INEOS’ head of sport, Ashworth has a long-standing connection with him. As a result, he is a prime target for the new board members seeking to establish their dominance at Old Trafford.
Between now and the end of the season, big decisions are expected at Man United with the intention of making the club competitive again and good enough to challenge for all the big trophies.
