Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth has been placed on restricted leave due to allegations that he expressed a desire to join Manchester United. Manchester United are interested in bringing Ashworth to Old Trafford as part of a restructuring following the deal with Jim Ratcliffe to acquire a 25% stake and take control of soccer operations.
The chairman of INEOS, a major chemicals company, is acting quickly to strengthen United’s soccer leadership team, with recruitment a particular area of focus.
British news agency Press Association reported that 52-year-old Ashworth, who previously held the position of technical director of the Football Association before taking up a similar position at Brighton, has stepped down from his role at St James’ Park.
Ashworth, who held the post at St James’ Park for 20 months, was a key appointment by the Magpies’ new Saudi Arabian-backed owners following the completion of their takeover of the club in October 2021.
There appears to have been no formal contact between the Premier League clubs yet, and Ashworth was spotted in the stands at St James’ Park on Saturday as Eddie Howe’s side drew 2-2 with Bournemouth.
Howe admitted on Friday that he was “concerned” about Ashworth’s knowledge of the inner workings of the club, as speculation grew about his interest in the Old Trafford job.
Asked after Saturday’s game if he had spoken to Ashworth since Friday’s press conference, Howe replied: “No”.
According to reports, Newcastle are seeking compensation of 20 million pounds (23.4 million euros) and, in the absence of an agreement, Ashworth may not be able to start a new job until the beginning of 2026.
