Newcastle United’s demand for increased compensation has reportedly become a stumbling block in Dan Ashworth’s potential move to Manchester United as their new sporting director.
Manchester United’s pursuit of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director has hit a roadblock due to Newcastle United’s demand for higher compensation. Newcastle is reportedly seeking approximately £15 million ($18.6 million), plus £5 million ($6.2 million) in add-ons for Ashworth, who has been on gardening leave since leaving his role at Newcastle in February. In contrast, Manchester United has offered only £2 million ($2.5 million) in compensation. This disagreement has resulted in a deadlock between the two clubs.
Manchester United believes that their approach towards Ashworth is similar to how Newcastle pursued him when he left Brighton in 2022, where Newcastle reportedly paid around £2 million ($2.5 million) for his services. The report also mentions that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s new minority owner, had discussions with Newcastle director Amanda Staveley earlier in the month, but no progress has been made. The expectation is that the 53-year-old Ashworth will not be signed before the summer, and Manchester United will not be easily coerced into agreeing to the deal.
It is worth noting that Manchester United reportedly believes that the money Newcastle is demanding would be better spent on player transfers. Ashworth’s gardening leave is set to expire at the end of 2025, but Manchester United is keen on bringing him in earlier than that.
As negotiations regarding Ashworth’s move continue, Manchester United’s next Premier League match is against Sheffield United, while Newcastle will face Crystal Palace, both on the same day.
