Dan Ashworth ‘would have stayed at Newcastle’ admission before Man United shock
Dan Ashworth has suggested he might not have left Newcastle if he knew Amanda Staveley was set to depart, according to The Athletic.
Following his shock exit from Man United after just five months the outlet’s website reported on 8 December that the former technical director had expressed to others that he felt he was working in a “highly pressurised” environment in Manchester.
Furthermore he is said to have suggested may not have gone through with his protracted exit from Newcastle at all if he had known other departures were imminent. The relationship in Tyneside between Eddie Howe and Staveley meant they always kept a “direct dialogue” and did not need to go through Ashworth for decisions.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS waited months through Ashworth’s Magpies gardening leave and paid millions in compensation but have removed him already [Sky Sports]. He was responsible for football performance and recruitment at Old Trafford, and with the Red Devils sitting in 13th place, ultimately took the fall.
Jim Ratcliffe pulls plug after Man United chase of Newcastle man
Football Insider opinion
The initial rumours of Ashworth’s compensation reaching up to £10million were quickly dismissed. Football Insider revealed that the fee was “well below” the £10m figure. But it still wasn’t cheap.
The end of his time with the Geordies was troublesome not just with the hierarchy but also with fans, who heavily criticised him after his controversial resignation.
It was seen as a power move to leave a project at Newcastle that seemed like an upgrade from Brighton. However, that step up may have proven too ambitious.
Man United are currently struggling both on and off the pitch, with their hierarchy’s controversial decision proving to be costly.
According to finance expert Kieran Maguire, the part-owners have created an unpleasant working environment, but they “don’t care.”
The cost-saving measures following Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s arrival have also faced backlash. The group was forced to backtrack on a decision to revoke privileges for the families of the Busby Babes after Sir Alex Ferguson intervened.
The sacking of Erik ten Hag also came with a hefty price tag of £15 million (The Athletic). But again, this could’ve been avoided. Former Man City financial adviser Stefan Borson revealed that they could have agreed on a fixed figure in the summer.
It seems that these cost-saving measures only affect staff within the club, while the owners are willing to spend considerably more on high-profile decisions.
It remains to be seen whether a new technical director will be appointed or if funds will be allocated for the January transfer window.
But it looks like all this wasted time and energy could have been avoided if Staveley’s exit from St. James’ Park had been known before hand.
In other news, Man United are to soon announce an Amad Diallo deal.
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