Dan Ashworth has been placed on gardening leave after asking to depart, with Manchester United interested in appointing him as their sporting director. Ashworth informed Newcastle United of his decision to leave on Sunday. The Athletic reported on Wednesday that the matter is complicated by Ashworth being under contract on Tyneside, making it likely that Manchester United would need to pay significant compensation to secure his services. Newcastle United is demanding £20 million for Ashworth.
If Newcastle United wants to prevent Ashworth from leaving, they will have to continue paying his full salary during his gardening leave. Manchester United is willing to be patient in order to avoid paying an unrealistic sum. Formal contact between the clubs is expected to take place soon. Ashworth joined Newcastle United in February 2022 after resigning from his post as technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion