Sir Jim Ratcliffe Takes Aim at Newcastle Over Dan Ashworth Situation

Manchester United newly investor, Sir Jim Ratcliffe has called Newcastle United “a bit silly” regarding the situation with Dan Ashworth.

Ratcliffe now wants to name Ashworth his new transfer guru after he successfully took control of the Red Devils in a minority role. Newcastle United, who would not allow the former director of Brighton & Hove Albion to go until they receive a compensation package worth £20 million, has placed him on gardening leave. Ratcliffe, who has expressed admiration for Ashworth, stated that he does not hold the 52-year-old responsible for his desire to relocate from St. James’ Park to Old Trafford.

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“Dan Ashworth is clearly one of top sporting directors in the world,” he told The Athletic. “I have no doubt he is a very capable person. He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world. It would be different at [Manchester] City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition. He needs to decide if he is going to make that jump.”

“We have had words with Newcastle who would be disappointed. They have done really well since their new ownership. I understand why they would be disappointed but then you can’t criticise Dan because it’s a transient industry. You can understand why Dan would be interested because it’s the ultimate challenge. We’ll have to see how it unfolds.”

Ratcliffe was asked about the potential £20m compensation package for Ashworth: “A bit silly, personally. 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. You look at Pep [Guardiola] and when he’s done with one of his footballers he doesn’t want them to sit in the garden for one and a half years. He doesn’t do that. That’s not the way the UK works or the law works.”

After the takeover, Manchester United wants to become a title contender once more. The team is now six points behind in sixth position in the table and has not won the Premier League since Sir Alex Ferguson left. With Ashworth and Ratcliffe joining the team, supporters will be hopeful the team can return to the top of the Premier League and compete with teams like Liverpool, Manchester City, and Arsenal on a regular basis.

The Red Devils’ next game is a matchup with Fulham on February 24, when they hope to continue their current winning streak and finish in the top four.