It would appear that Manchester United’s new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe believes that Newcastle United should roll over and just give him what he wants.
His partial takeover of Manchester United has now been confirmed, as he looks to rebuild a fallen giant. To do so, he is putting together a new team behind the scenes that is going to include Dan Ashworth.
The 52-year-old has now been placed on gardening leave after telling Newcastle United that he wants to go to Old Trafford, less than two years after his arrival on Tyneside.
It is seen as a bigger opportunity for him, and that is understandable. However, Newcastle are not just going to serve Ashworth to Man United on a plate.
Instead, they want compensation. In fact, they want £20million. That is how much Man United need to pay for the former FA chief, otherwise he could remain on gardening leave until early 2026.
There is anger from Newcastle at how Man United have handled this approach, and there will be even more anger after what Ratcliffe has said about the Magpies’ demands.
What Jim Ratcliffe has said about Newcastle United and Dan Ashworth
Ratcliffe has been speaking to the Athletic, and was asked to give his thoughts on the £20million compensation package required to get Ashworth away from Newcastle.
“A bit silly, personally,” he said.
“I won’t get dragged into that. 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. We had a very grown-up conversation with City about Omar Berrada. When things got done, we sorted it out very amicably. They could see why he wanted to take that challenge.”
Nothing ‘silly’ about Newcastle wanting what they are owed
Ratcliffe also states that they have ‘had words’ with Newcastle, although a lot of the talking has been done in the media.
The absolute arrogance is staggering. They started it all off by approaching Ashworth in an underhanded way, and now they are complaining that they have to pay compensation to get someone out of a contract.
There is no problem with them wanting Ashworth, nor is there any issue with him wanting to go. He is a highly talented individual, and Man United are looking for the best in class. But the best is not cheap. It is not going to be handed to you.
Just like Man United did with Jesse Lingard two years ago, Newcastle should be doing all they can to make life difficult for the Red Devils following their fresh investment.
If Ashworth is as good as Ratcliffe says he is then pay the money. Then again, his attitude is not surprising considering he also thinks the tax payer should fund a new stadium for him as well.
Newcastle fans are staggered by what Ratcliffe has said regarding Ashworth, and you have to imagine the feeling is mutual behind the scenes at St James’ Park.
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