Alan Shearer has raised doubts about Newcastle’s demand of £20 million for Dan Ashworth, as Manchester United intensifies their efforts to secure a new sporting director.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, in his mission to revamp Old Trafford, has identified Ashworth as a priority target. Ratcliffe has already made Omar Berrada, formerly of Manchester City, the club’s new CEO.
Ashworth has reportedly expressed interest in leaving St James’ Park, aligning with Ratcliffe’s intentions. As a result, Newcastle has placed Ashworth on gardening leave and set a £20 million release clause on his contract. Shearer took to Twitter to respond to this fee, sarcastically remarking, “Is that all?”
Currently, there is a deadlock between the two parties involved. Newcastle is firm in their stance and will not permit Dan Ashworth to leave unless the agreed fee, or at least until 2026, is paid.
Manchester United, on the other hand, does not seem inclined to meet the requested sum. This ongoing situation has caused concern for Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, who worries that Ashworth may take valuable insights and knowledge to Old Trafford. Howe has emphasized the importance of reaching a prompt resolution.
“Recruitment is a year-round responsibility,” stated Howe. “It never stops, and Dan holds significant power and access to a wealth of intelligence and information. That’s why the situation is somewhat unusual.”
When asked about the potential benefits of a swift conclusion, Howe responded, “It would be better for everyone involved.” Ashworth joined Newcastle in June 2022 after departing from his previous role as Brighton’s technical director.
Prior to joining Newcastle, Dan Ashworth held various positions at clubs such as Peterborough United, Cambridge, West Bromwich Albion, and also served as the FA’s director of elite development. While Ashworth’s potential move to Manchester United has received praise from supporters, former Manchester United player Gary Neville holds a different perspective.
Neville has expressed skepticism, suggesting that the actions taken by Ratcliffe are already commonplace among many clubs, and Manchester United is simply catching up. During a discussion on Sky Sports, Neville stated, “We’ve been ridiculed for always mentioning the Glazers after losing a football match, and it reached a point where people said, ‘the Glazers don’t play football.'”
“For ten years, every manager has worked without a CEO with prior experience in a football club, without a sporting director, without a well-known head of recruitment. It’s not just negligence; it’s sheer madness,” Neville added.
According to Neville, the current developments at Manchester United are a step towards normality rather than something extraordinary. He believes that appointing competent individuals at one of the world’s top clubs is a sensible decision.
