Newcastle United finds itself embroiled in a tense standoff over Dan Ashworth's potential move to Manchester United as sporting director, with the club's demand for £20 million in compensation and an 18-month gardening leave met with skepticism by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new supremo at Old Trafford.
In Ratcliffe's view, Newcastle's compensation demand is “absurd,” as he questions the practicality of sidelining a skilled professional like Ashworth for such an extended period. “Talking about £20 million seems a bit silly, personally,” Ratcliffe remarked. “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.”
Ratcliffe emphasizes the fluid nature of the football industry, where rapid transitions and adaptability are often essential. He advocates for a more pragmatic approach to resolving such disputes, highlighting Ashworth's track record as one of the top sporting directors globally. “Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world,” Ratcliffe stated. “He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world.”
Despite acknowledging Newcastle's recent successes under new ownership, Ratcliffe underscores the transient nature of football, where personnel movements are common. “You can’t criticize Dan because it’s a transient industry, and this is the ultimate challenge,” Ratcliffe added. He urges understanding from Newcastle's side, asserting that Ashworth's potential move is driven by the desire to tackle what Ratcliffe describes as “the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world.”
As negotiations unfold, the outcome of Ashworth's potential move to Manchester United remains uncertain. However, Ratcliffe's remarks shed light on the complexities and dynamics inherent in the footballing landscape, where talent acquisition and management strategies play pivotal roles in shaping clubs' fortunes both on and off the pitch.
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