WORTH THE WAIT
Man Utd AGREE deal with Newcastle for Dan Ashworth as sporting director as rebuild under Ineos finally takes shape
United are also looking to bring in some new coaching staff after reshuffling their executive pack
MANCHESTER UNITED have agreed a deal with Newcastle to bring in Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director.
The Red Devils have been chasing the Magpies exec for months and have finally got their man.
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The Toon confirmed the switch in a statement that revealed a "confidential" agreement.
It read: “Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United.
"The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”
The 53-year-old was placed on gardening leave by the Magpies more than four months ago following interest from United.
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It's understood he's ready to take up his position at Old Trafford immediately.
Ashworth's arrival brings an end to a long saga as Sir Jim Ratcliffe continues to reshuffle the pack at Man Utd.
The Athletic reported back in April that Ashworth was planning on taking Newcastle to arbitration to force through a deal.
While Man Utd were supposedly willing to pay for his legal fees in order to lure him to Manchester.
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However, with the deal now sanctioned by the Tyneside outfit, that is no longer necessary.
It's not known how much compensation Man Utd have forked out for Ashworth's services yet, but it was previously claimed that the Magpies were holding out for a figure around £20million.
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Ashworth is highly rated in his role and has held director's positions at a number of top clubs.
Notably he was the director of development with the England national side from 2013 to 2018.
Before he switched to club football in 2019, joining Brighton as their technical director during a period of success for the Seagulls.
He left the south coast and headed up north to join Newcastle in 2022, spearheading their Saudi revolution as sporting director for just under two years.
Ashworth is reportedly going to have overall responsibility for football performance, recruitment and operations at Man Utd.
New technical director Jason Wilcox, who joined the 20-time Premier League champions in April, will report to Ashworth.
The pair aren't the only new faces in Ratcliffe's new look set-up either.
Former Manchester City chief executive Omar Berrada is expected to arrive at the club later this month.
Uncertainty still clouds the most important position at Old Trafford - the manager.
Erik ten Hag will be staying on as boss of the Manchester giants, despite long-term speculation about an exit for the Dutchman.
But negotiations are continuing over a new deal for the 54-year-old whose current contract expires at the end of next season.
New coaching staff could also be coming through the door to assist Ten Hag, who has guided United to two trophies in as many seasons since his appointment.
Go Ahead Eagles manager Rene Hake, 52, is set to join the club's coaching staff.
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While former Man Utd star Ruud van Nistelrooy, 48, is also said to be on the verge of a return to his former club as part of the backroom staff.
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