There is ‘genuine anger’ behind the scenes at Newcastle United right now, and it is not because of Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Bournemouth.
While that result and performance was infuriating, the real anger comes at what has been going on behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
Newcastle United are set to lose sporting director Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on gardening leave by the club amid interest from Manchester United.
The 52-year-old is going to take over at Old Trafford, although when that is remains to be seen. As it stands, Man United are going to have to pay a huge compensation package to get Ashworth – potentially up to £20million.
If not, Ashworth will remain on gardening leave until early 2026. Newcastle are not going to roll over and make this easy for Man United, and the Athletic’s George Caulkin has explained why the Magpies are not happy with the Red Devils’ approach – or lack of.
Newcastle are angry about Manchester United approach
Caulkin has spoke about the mood behind the scenes at Newcastle United on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne after Man United allowed the Ashworth situation to be played out in public.
“There is genuine anger at Newcastle about the way this has…I mean all is fair in love and war but it’s been a very very public approach, or courtship without making an official approach,” he said.
“It’s been lingering on for months. I don’t think Ashworth has handled himself well in this, I have to say. I don’t think he comes out of this well. Only really admitting that he had contact as of last week then telling the club he wants to leave. It’s very early into his task at Newcastle, and, although there have been complications behind the scenes, I don’t think it’s been easy from either side, I don’t think he comes out of this very well.”
Newcastle must push for big compensation
Manchester United’s interest in Dan Ashworth has been very public. It has been going on for months, in fact.
But this story burst into life last week, and it has resulted in Ashworth going on gardening leave after telling the club that he wants to leave.
However, the issue is how Man United have handled this. They did not make an official approach for Ashworth until February 19th. By then, the entire world knew exactly what was going on, as they had let it play out in the media.
It is really poor from Man United, and will make Newcastle all the more keen to get as much compensation as possible. The Toon owners must hold their nerve and treat Man United with the same respect they were given.
You’ve told the media how badly you want Ashworth, how keen he is and how talented he is – now put your money where your mouth is.
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