Kieran Maguire: Dan Ashworth could cover £20m fee ‘in one deal’ at Man United
Dan Ashworth could cover his own £20million compensation fee by saving Man United millions in the summer transfer window.
That is the view of finance expert Kieran Maguire, who exclusively told Football Insider that hiring Ashworth immediately would help United avoid bad transfer decisions this summer.
Newcastle United announced earlier this month that Ashworth has commenced a period of gardening leave after quitting his director role at St James’ Park.
It is understood that he will spend 20 months inactive while Newcastle demand a £20million compensation fee to allow him to join another club.
Ashworth has been made a top target at Old Trafford by Sir Jim Ratcliffe following his £1.3billion minority investment deal.
As revealed by Football Insider, United will refuse to pay a £20million fee to hire Ashworth immediately.
Ashworth could ‘pay for himself’ if Man United agree £20m demand
Both clubs remain in negotiations over the compensation package, but Maguire believes United could recoup the £20million payout over the summer window if Ashworth is in charge of transfer business.
“Man United will not want a window of another Van de Beek, another Sancho, another Antony or Di Maria,” Maguire told Football Insider’s Sean Fisher.
“There’s not been many wow factors in terms of Manchester United’s recruitment.
“They are benefitting from having a fantastic academy who have effectively dug them out of problems this season.
“They’ve already got a squad which cost more than £1billion to assemble.
“Manchester United over the course of the last decade have been spending big rather than spending smart.
“It’s that area that needs to be addressed and so £20million for Dan Ashworth could prevent similar decisions being made.
“He could pay for himself in one deal.“
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