Manchester United finally agreed a compensation package with Newcastle United for Dan Ashworth this week.
After months of speculation, Dan Ashworth has officially left St James’ Park, having been put on gardening leave by Newcastle United back in February.
That announcement led to quite the saga, and one that was very much played out in the media. The Magpies made it clear that they wanted £20million in compensation, which was a fee that Man United did not want to pay.
Instead, Sir Jim Ratcliffe complained in interviews, seemingly bemoaning the fact that the Magpies would not just give him what he wanted without putting up a fight. It was all very embarrassing, and it became even more farcical when it emerged that Ashworth had actually been in contact with Man United before they had made an official approach to Newcastle.
It looked like arbitration was on the horizon, with Man United only willing to pay £3million to bring Ashworth in as their sporting director.
Newcastle get £10million for Dan Ashworth
But Monday brought confirmation that Ashworth was starting his new job at Old Trafford with immediate effect, as Newcastle received a late PSR boost to help them avoid a points deduction.
It was reported that the Magpies were not getting the full compensation figure of £20million that they were seeking, but it was more than what Man United had initially proposed.
Now news has broke regarding how much Man United actually paid for Ashworth, with iNews reporting that Newcastle United received a compensation package of £10million.
Compromise benefits Newcastle and Man United
That is a sizeable fee for a behind the scenes figure, and it is great to see both parties reach a compromise.
It is a compromise that benefits both clubs. Man United now have a full summer with the sporting director that they craved in charge, having initially been worried that they might have to wait until the end of 2025 to appoint Ashworth.
As for Newcastle, they got a large sum of money, which played a key role in ensuring they should avoid breaching profit and sustainability. Even with the sales of Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson, the Magpies needed one final financial boost. They got it with Ashworth, whose time as a Newcastle United employee is officially over.
He has been replaced by Paul Mitchell, whose arrival on Tyneside was announced on Thursday morning.
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