TERRIBLE DECISION WAS MADE ON NEWCASTLE’S FUTURE AS MAN UNITED IS READY FOR THEIR MOVE BY
DAN ASHWORTH
HITC understands that Dan Ashworth has told Newcastle United he would like the chance to make the switch to Manchester United.
HITC has been informed that Sir Dave Brailsford, who has been and will be overseeing INEOS’ plan for United once their minority takeover is completed, made it clear to Sir Jim Ratcliffe very early in their conversations about United that the man they needed to become sporting director was Dan Ashworth. Brailsford and Ashworth have become close in recent years and whilst they are friends, sources insist that the appointment is based on the current Newcastle chief being best placed to take up the reigns. Long-term target
HITC revealed at the start of January that Newcastle was already looking at their options away from Ashworth, as they geared up for an approach as Ratcliffe’s bid for a minority stake progressed Ratcliffe’s bid for a 25% stake in United has progressed this week with Premier League approval and whilst that decision emerged, they were working in the background on Ashworth – as HITC revealed.
HITC understands that Ashworth informed Newcastle earlier this week that he had been approached about the prospect of joining Manchester United.
Ashworth wants Old Trafford to move
Now sources have confirmed to HITC that Ashworth has also told Newcastle’s hierarchy that he wants to join the Old Trafford outfit.
Having already secured the appointment of Manchester City’s Omar Berrada as chief executive, he is now expected to be joined by former Football Association chief Ashworth – who is ready to leave Newcastle after joining in February 2022.
The two clubs are now set for talks this week, but it is expected that some sort of gardening leave will be served by Ashworth – ahead of joining United in the summer. The Red Devils are fully aware that they will need to pay substantial compensation for Ashworth, but that is something they are prepared to do