Newcastle United has officially placed Dan Ashworth on gardening leave following his request to exit, signaling an almost certain end to his tenure at the club.
With Manchester United poised to secure his services, they now face the hurdle of negotiating a hefty compensation package.
Ashworth’s contract, extending into 2026, puts Manchester United in a position where they might have to bide their time or dig deep into their pockets to expedite his move.
Despite the conundrum, United appears ready to wait it out if financial terms with Newcastle remain unresolved, according to the Daily Mail.
This development comes after Eddie Howe’s recent comments highlighted concerns over Ashworth’s continued involvement with Newcastle’s strategic planning amid talks of his departure.
Ashworth, who transitioned to Newcastle from Brighton just 20 months ago, is slated for a pivotal role in Manchester United’s football operations overhaul, spearheaded by Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group, with a focus on recruitment strategies.
The coming days are crucial as they will determine the timing and terms of Ashworth’s switch to Old Trafford.