Manchester United Eyes Dan Ashworth: Newcastle Sporting Director on Gardening Leave Amidst Old Trafford Interest

Newcastle has granted sporting director Dan Ashworth gardening leave following an approach from Manchester United. The 52 years old expressed his desire to leave on Sunday and Sir Jim Ratcliffe is considering him to lead the football operation at Old Trafford after acquiring a 25% stake in Newcastle.

While there hasn’t been a formal approach yet it is expected this week with a potential buyout of Ashworth’s contract exceeding £10 million. Ashworth joined Newcastle from Brighton two years ago and Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has urged a swift resolution expressing concern over sensitive recruitment information being exposed to a Premier League rival.

Gary Neville stressed the crucial need for Manchester United to secure the right sporting director before the upcoming transfer window emphasizing that paying for Ashworth could prevent expensive errors in future transfers. Neville highlighted Ashworth’s resilience and the need for Manchester United to stop the decline.