After two months of drawn-out discussions, hope still remains that Manchester United can have Dan Ashworth in place before the summer transfer window opens.
The former Brighton, West Brom and FA chief quickly emerged as one of the club’s top priorities following the confirmation of Ineos’ long-awaited takeover on Boxing Day. The admiration between Sir Dave Brailsford and Dan Ashworth goes both ways, and it feels like a case of when rather than if the pair end up working together behind the scenes at Old Trafford.
“Dan Ashworth is clearly one of top sporting directors in the world,” new Manchester United chief Sir Jim Ratcliffe told The Athletic. “I have no doubt he is a very capable person.
“He’s interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world. He would be a very good addition. He needs to decide if he is going to make that jump.”
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Manchester United still hope to land Dan Ashworth
Ratcliffe, however, made no secret of his dictate for the manner in which Newcastle have gone about things during negotiations with The Magpies. While bitter rivals Man City opted not to stand in Omar Berrada’s way when their neighbours came calling, Newcastle – even after placing Ashworth on gardening leave – continue to ki-bosh United’s hopes of formally announcing the 53-year-old’s arrival.
“We have had words with Newcastle, who would be disappointed. I understand why they would be disappointed but then you can’t criticise Dan because it’s a transient industry,” Ratcliffe added.
“You can understand why Dan would be interested because it’s the ultimate challenge. We’ll have to see how it unfolds.
“We had a very grown-up conversation with City about Omar Berrada. When things got done, we sorted it out very amicably. They could see why he wanted to take that challenge.
“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.”
Newcastle want £20 million
Newcastle continue to hold out for a staggering compensation fee of £20 million. A demand Ratcliffe labelled ‘a bit silly’.
According to TEAMtalk, Manchester United are still ‘optimistic’ that Ashworth will be allowed to start work in time for the first summer under Ineos leadership, with the Red Devils hoping that an agreement can be reached at around the £10 million mark.
Ashworth – who’s work at Brighton was labelled ‘incredible’ by Gary Neville and has another admirer in the shape of Sir Alex Ferguson – is expected to take on an overarching role concerning many areas of the club.
United will look to bring in a more specialised recruitment expert too, withCrystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman mentioned and Jason Wilcox set to join from Southampton in some capacity.
Erik ten Hag’s side face Liverpool on Sunday after thatcollapse at Chelsea.