There will likely be various speculations circulating in Newcastle regarding Dan Ashworth’s departure, some of which may even involve conspiracy theories. Ashworth is highly regarded for his influential role within the club, connecting different areas and ensuring everyone is aligned.
During an appearance on Sky Sports’ The Football Show, former Newcastle player Steve Howey suggested that Ashworth may have been promised a position with greater autonomy by Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Howey expressed disappointment, stating, “It’s a blow. We all recognize his reputation and expertise in his field. Newcastle made an excellent move in acquiring him, but ultimately, we’re talking about Manchester United here.”
Howey believes that Ashworth feels he will have more freedom in his new role. While the extent of Ashworth’s influence at Newcastle is uncertain, it appears that he has engaged in discussions with Sir Jim Ratcliffe and has been informed about the scope of his responsibilities.
It is widely known that when INEOS approached Dan Ashworth with an offer to become the sporting director at Manchester United, he eagerly seized the opportunity. If (and it is still an “if”) he eventually makes the move to Old Trafford, he will be positioned at the pinnacle of the football world.
This situation serves as evidence that Newcastle cannot match such prospects and highlights their inability to rival us. On Tuesday, Newcastle officially announced that Ashworth would be placed on gardening leave, and later that evening, Manchester United formally expressed their desire to acquire his services.
Now, we must patiently await negotiations between the two clubs. INEOS will likely seek a swift resolution to the matter.
