Dan Ashworth attempting to force Man Utd move by taking Newcastle to arbitration

Ashworth finds himself on gardening leave from Newcastle since February, following his intimation to Newcastle that he wishes to explore the opportunity presented to him by Manchester United. However, negotiations hit an impasse as Newcastle sought a hefty £20 million ($25m) as a transfer fee, a figure United seem reluctant to meet.

According to The Athletic, the matter is now slated to be resolved by an impartial third party through arbitration. United stands firmly behind Ashworth in this legal endeavour, which might commence in May and drag on for at least a few weeks.

The impending move of Ashworth aligns with the broader restructuring efforts at United, spearheaded by the club’s new co-owner, Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Notable changes include Omar Berrada from Manchester City assuming the role of CEO this summer, alongside Jason Wilcox's recent appointment from Southampton as the technical director.

Ratcliffe, in a statement made back in February, lauded Ashworth's credentials and asserted that Newcastle have been "stupid" to put him on gardening leave for 18 months.

“I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world, I’ve no doubt,” Ratcliffe said 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.”

Newcastle United are actively engaged in the quest to identify a suitable successor for Ashworth. It has been reported that among the frontrunners for the coveted position is Dougie Freedman of Crystal Palace.

In the proposed alleged hierarchy at United, Wilcox is slated to report directly to Ashworth, who will assume overarching responsibilities encompassing football performance, recruitment, and operations. Ashworth brings with him a wealth of experience garnered from his stints at various esteemed clubs and organisations including tenures at West Bromwich Albion, the English FA, Brighton & Hove Albion, and culminating in his arrival at Newcastle in February 2022.