Manchester United receive bad news after new contract signed, could impact Dan Ashworth deal

Manchester United’s hopes of getting Dan Ashworth through the door soon have taken a fresh turn this week.

The Reds have been changing behind the scenes following INEOS taking sporting control of the club. Jason Wilcox is in the building, and Omar Berrada is set to be joining next month.

However, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s team have identified Dan Ashworth as the man to lead their project as sporting director. His immediate future is less certain, with a lengthy gardening period interfering.

Newcastle have slapped a major £20 million price tag on Ashworth, with United not open to paying anywhere near that figure. Ratcliffe has previously met with Newcastle co-owner Amanda Staveley in attempts to speed up the process.

Yet, the former Brighton technical director has since decided to take the club to arbitration, which is due to take place towards the end of this month.

According to The Times, Ashworth’s recent email blunder, where he essentially proved to Newcastle that he was having discussions with Omar Berrada before they were aware, could be crucial in the forthcoming arbitration against his former side.

However, the Telegraph have since added that Ashworth will be arguing that his departure from Newcastle gives him grounds to argue his gardening leave is null and void as things were not handled correctly before his departure.

The latest issue

It is almost like a full-blown transfer saga, which United are used to being involved in, and there needs to be a solution soon.

However, previous reports claimed that once Newcastle had decided on their own sporting director, negotiations for Ashworth’s compensation price would be accelerated. The Magpies held detailed talks with several candidates.

Yet, their no.1 choice is Dougie Freedman from Crystal Palace, and he is now set to remain at Selhurst Park, as per The Guardian.

It was claimed that Freedman had agreed on a new contract that included a significant pay rise.

United might not be able to resolve things with Ashworth as quickly as if Freedman had moved to the North East.