Newcastle’s sporting director Dan Ashworth is on gardening leave due to interest from Manchester United.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director is entering a holding pattern, as the experienced executive is currently on gardening leave at Newcastle United. This move comes as Ashworth has expressed his intention to leave Newcastle in order to take up the sporting director role in the evolving structure at Manchester United.

During this interim period, Newcastle CEO Darren Eales conveyed the club’s disappointment at Ashworth’s decision to depart while emphasizing their commitment to continuing their journey and immediately commencing the process to recruit a new sporting director. Eales also expressed gratitude for Ashworth’s contributions to Newcastle United and extended well wishes to him and his family for the future.

The significant impact of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s 25% investment deal with the Glazer family at Manchester United is notably evident, with the INEOS contingent influential in key appointments. Notably, the recent addition of Omar Berrarda as chief executive, previously managing football operations at the City Football Group, underscores the comprehensive transformation taking place. This restructuring is aimed at providing the necessary framework and support for manager Erik ten Hag to achieve success on the field.

However, the formalization of Ashworth’s appointment still hinges on Manchester United and Newcastle United reaching an agreement regarding compensation. Reports indicate that the £20m compensation demand by Newcastle has posed a significant obstacle in finalizing the deal. As a result, Manchester United is faced with the challenge of navigating this financial aspect in order to secure Ashworth’s services.

As Ashworth bides his time during the notice period at Newcastle, it is apparent that the club is keen on preventing him from gaining insights into their inner workings and ongoing transactions, particularly given the knowledge that he will be joining a direct competitor once his notice period concludes. This waiting game underscores the complexities involved in the transition, highlighting the intricacies of inter-club personnel movements in the world of football.