Alan Shearer has weighed in on the debate surrounding Dan Ashworth’s proposed move to Manchester United.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos group only officially completed the purchase of 27.7 per cent of Manchester United’s Class A shares on Tuesday.
Ineos have now taken over football operations at Old Trafford but they have already been making moves to make their upstairs appointments.
Omar Berrada has been convinced to leave Manchester City and join neighbours United as CEO while Dan Ashworth has been head-hunted to take over as sporting director.
Ashworth is currently employed by Newcastle United, though, and the Magpies won’t let him leave without a fight.
The 52-year-old has been placed on gardening leave with Newcastle said to be demanding between £10m-£20m for his release.
Ratcliffe has described Newcastle’s stance as ‘silly’ and Alan Shearer has predicted how the saga will conclude.
Alan Shearer predicts the outcome of Man United’s Dan Ashworth pursuit
Speaking to The Rest is Football podcast, Shearer said: “He’s had a really good career when you look at what he did at Brighton, what he did with England.
“Newcastle did that to Brighton in terms of they wanted him badly at the football club. He had to go on gardening leave at Brighton before he could take over at Newcastle.
“We’re not naive enough to think that once someone goes on gardening leave then they’re not working for that other football club.
“My guess is that a compromise will be had, they’ll [Manchester United] pay a fee.
“He’s done a really good job at Newcastle, but when you think about what he knows in terms of players’ contracts, clauses in their contracts, who Newcastle might have to sell, who they want to buy – he’ll take all that info with him to another football club.”
A big get for United
Should United eventually snag their man then it will be another huge get for the club as Ratcliffe’s promising start at the helm continues.
The Glazers still being the majority shareholders isn’t exactly the dream scenario fans pictured when they announced plans to sell the club 15 months ago but it is a step in the right direction.
Ratcliffe and his team are already making a positive impact at United and these serious appointments in key positions are more important than any signing.
For too many years United had people in crucial roles who had no football expertise and it showed in every aspect of the club’s struggles.
Hopefully, that now changes.
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