Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the new co-owner of Manchester United, has set up a war of words with Newcastle United on Dan Ashworth’s ascent to the position of first sporting director at Old Trafford during the Ineos era.
More than a year after the Glazer family started their alleged strategic review, Ratcliffe’s minority investment in Manchester United was finally confirmed on Tuesday. In his first official briefing, the British billionaire outlined plans to “knock Liverpool and Manchester City off their perch” in three years.
Ratcliffe made a bold move in his opening statement when he reiterated his intention to try and get funding from the government to support his plan to build a “Wembley for the north” at an Old Trafford that has been renovated.
Additionally, he promised that the team will see an instant boost in recruiting, with Ashworth reportedly playing a key role in those plans. However, Ashworth’s present team, Newcastle, has put him on gardening leave as a result of his declaration that he would prefer to work for the new management at Manchester United.
The Red Devils have made a formal approach, but as far as I can tell, the two teams have not yet reached an agreement. Ratcliffe feels that the 18-month notice period he is contractually compelled to serve is excessive, and the Magpies would seek almost £20 million to release him.
I think it’s a little ridiculous. Regarding the circumstance, he declared, “I won’t get dragged into that.”
“I do find it absolutely ridiculous that a man who excels in his field would spend an entire year and a half sitting in his garden. We had a really mature discussion about Omar [Berrada] with City.
“After matters were resolved, we did so in a very cordial manner. They understood his motivation for accepting that challenge.
“Observe Pep [Guardiola] when he’s finished training a player; he doesn’t want them to spend a year and a half sitting in the garden. That is not what he does. That is not how the law operates in the UK.
Ratcliffe made it apparent that he thought Ashworth’s position at Old Trafford was the largest and most thrilling in the sport when he called Ashworth a “10/10” sporting director.
However, his remarks are unlikely to be warmly received at St. James’ Park, where the manner Manchester United has handled Ashworth has already caused frustration. Tyneside residents’ resolve has grown as a result of the perception that he was uneasy prior to an official approach, and it looks like both sides are digging in.
Ratcliffe remarked, “We have spoken with Newcastle, who would be disappointed [to lose him].”
“I can see why they would be upset, but since this is a flimsy industry, you can’t hold Dan accountable. Dan would be fascinated, as you can understand, since it’s the ultimate challenge.
“In the end, it’s hard to fault Dan for considering the possibility of becoming a sporting director—possibly the most sought-after position in football—especially considering the challenge at Manchester United.”
Daniel Storey
Dan Ashworth’s move for Manchester United elevates transfer tribalism to a new ridiculous level.
In addition, Ratcliffe described as “very odd” the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of rival bidder Sheikh Jassim bin Hamal Al Thani from the competition in October of last year.
Despite having a strong public relations staff, the Qatari tycoon never seemed to be a serious contender; the Glazers were Ratcliffe’s investment partners. In fact, Ratcliffe hinted that he might not even be real.
He stated, “Actually, nobody has ever seen him yet.”
He was never met by the Glazers. I doubt that he is real.
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