Manchester United have officially announced the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director following an agreement with Newcastle United.
The two Premier League clubs issued a joint statement on Monday confirming Ashworth’s release from his contract at St James’ Park.
Earlier this year, Ashworth, 53, was placed on gardening leave by Newcastle after expressing his desire to move to Old Trafford.
Although compensation details remain undisclosed, Ashworth is set to begin his role at Manchester United immediately.
Newcastle United and Manchester United Statement
The joint statement 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.”
United’s interest in Ashworth surfaced after Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS company acquired a minority stake in the club and assumed control of football operations.
Despite reports suggesting Newcastle sought £20 million ($25 million) in compensation, described by Ratcliffe as “a bit silly,” a compromise has now been reached.
Ashworth, previously the technical director at the Football Association, is part of United’s backroom staff overhaul.
Omar Berrada is joining from Manchester City as chief executive, and Jason Wilcox, formerly of Southampton, is the new technical director.
Ratcliffe praised Ashworth earlier this year, stating: “I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world. I’ve no doubt he’s a very, very capable person.”
And he’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.”
Despite a disappointing campaign last season, which ended with an FA Cup victory over Manchester City, manager Erik ten Hag remains at the helm, preparing for his third season in charge.
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