Newcastle United are being ‘difficult’ and ‘awkward’ behind the scenes, as the sporting director saga goes on and on.
But that is not the view of Newcastle United co-owner Amanda Staveley, nor is it the view of Toon boss Eddie Howe.
Instead, it is the view of Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the partial owner of Manchester United and a billionaire who is not happy about not getting his own way.
The Dan Ashworth situation
Having bought 25% of Manchester United earlier this year, Ratcliffe has set about changing the Red Devils’ fortunes. That includes overhauling the behind the scenes operations and bringing in a sporting director.
Dan Ashworth was identified as the man he wanted, and it quickly became clear that the former FA chief fancied the move. That resulted in Newcastle United placing Ashworth on gardening leave, as they kicked off their search for a new sporting director.
All the while, Man United have been trying to agree compensation to get Ashworth to join them as soon as possible. If they do not, Ashworth will stay on gardening leave until the end of 2025.
Ratcliffe has already branded Newcastle’s financial demands as silly, with Toon officials initially wanting up to £20million to let Ashworth leave.
That is way more than what Man United want to pay, with the most recent report stating that they have offered £3million in compensation.
Unsurprisingly, Newcastle have said no, as they go in search of a package worth £15million plus add-ons.
There has also been the alleged email blunder from Ashworth, which suggested that he was in contact with Man United before Newcastle had officially been made aware of their interest.
What Jim Ratcliffe has now said about Newcastle United
From the perspective of both clubs, the situation is an absolute mess. And from just a Newcastle perspective, it merely feels like Man United trying to throw their weight around to get what they want.
Fortunately, the owners are standing firm and not backing down. However, Ratcliffe sees that as them being awkward, and has spoke to Bloomberg about the situation.
“I see absolutely no point in the gardening leave thing they have in football,” he said.
“It makes it difficult to change things with pace.
“Omar [Berrada] is on six months, Dan Ashworth is on one and a half years. Jason Wilcox – we actually had a sensible conversation with Southampton and we managed to find a solution to that.
“Newcastle are just being very difficult and very awkward about Dan.
“Until you get the people in, it’s quite difficult to change. It’s frustrating.”
Ratcliffe’s toys are out the pram as Newcastle hold their nerve
Ratcliffe’s attitude is staggering, as he continues to allow this fiasco to be played out through the media.
That has been Manchester United’s tactic ever since Ashworth emerged as a target, and their arrogance has led to them being frustrated at not getting their own way.
If Ashworth is as important to their plans as they say he is, is you would think they would be willing to pay a bit more money for him. While Newcastle are asking for a lot of money, there seems to be no attempt to even meet in the middle.
The latest comments from Ratcliffe are embarrassing, and it is great to see Newcastle United continuing to hold their nerve.
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