It does not look like Dan Ashworth will be pulling the strings for much longer behind the scenes at Newcastle United.
That is because the Magpies’ Sporting Director looks set to take his talents to Old Trafford. Manchester United have stepped up their interest in Dan Ashworth, and he is keen on making the move.
The 52-year-old looks set to call time on his Toon tenure, less than two years after beginning his job at St James’ Park. But his work on Tyneside is going to end sooner than expected, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe getting the man he wants at Man United.
The only major question mark at the minute appears to surround compensation. Then we will see how desperate the Red Devils really are to land Dan Ashworth.
His contract includes a 12-month gardening leave clause, while for now he remains an employee of Newcastle United. A deal is not done, and it is business as usual for the former FA chief.
Dan Ashworth will be at Newcastle vs Bournemouth
And the Telegraph’s Luke Edwards believes that is going to result in Ashworth being at St James’ Park on Saturday for Newcastle United vs Bournemouth.
He wrote on X: “Have just been told that Dan Ashworth will be at Newcastle United’s game against Bournemouth this weekend. I’m not entirely sure what this means moving forward but that’s what he’s intending to do. He’s working today at SJP as usual and has taken part in scheduled meetings.”
Newcastle need this situation to be finalised
Ashworth attending Newcastle United vs Bournemouth suggests that it is business as usual for the Toon Sporting Director. Unless he is going to be scouting players who he could bring to Man United!
Despite all the chat about him being poached by Manchester United, he is still continuing to do his job on Tyneside. But that must be incredibly difficult, which is why this situation needs to be resolved as soon as possible.
If you are Ashworth, it must be challenging to keep doing a job where you are planning for the future, despite knowing that you will not be involved in that future. Instead, you will be working for a rival.
For Newcastle, they need a definitive decision. Once that happens they can decide who is going to replace him, and start taking the steps required to bring them to St James’ Park.
But that is where Ashworth will be on Saturday, as he continues to do his job. ‘Man goes to work’ – what a story.
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