Revealed: The drastic step Man Utd are willing to take to force through Dan Ashworth's move from Newcastle

Manchester United are set to cover Dan Ashworth’s legal costs if the sporting director takes Newcastle to arbitration.

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WHAT HAPPENED?
While it is standard industry practice, according to The Athletic, it comes at a time when the Red Devils' hierarchy - now headed by Sir Jim Ratfcliffe and INEOS - are trying to cut costs. Ashworth was placed on gardening leave by the Magpies back in February after he made it clear he wanted to explore the opportunity at Old Trafford.

THE BIGGER PICTURE
During his time on leave the two clubs tried to negotiate a compensation package, with Newcastle demanding as much as £20 million. United were unwilling to meet that figure, which is why the case is set to be handled by a third party in the near future.
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WHAT HAS RATCLIFFE SAID ABOUT ASHWORTH?
“I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world, I’ve no doubt,” Ratcliffe said back in February.
“He’s a very capable person. He’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.
“We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. But what I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years. That’s completely stupid.”

WHAT NEXT FOR MAN UTD AND ASHWORTH?
United’s new era under Ratfcliffe is well underway, with several key appointments already made. Jason Wilcox was snapped up from Southampton as technical director with Manchester City’s Omar Berrada taking over as chief executive at the end of the season. However, there is said to be an assumption at Old Trafford that Ashworth will not arrive in time to have an influence over the club’s recruitment in what is set to be a key summer transfer window.

WHAT HAPPENED?