“Every boy has respect for him, his methods, and his convictions. We can’t wait to follow his instructions when we go out on Saturday. We really believe that if we accomplish it on Saturday, we can emerge victorious and gather some momentum to close out the season.”
Manchester United has received a strong recommendation to expedite the process, despite Newcastle United maintaining a firm stance on their requirements to abbreviate Dan Ashworth’s notice period. Ashworth, having served as sporting director for just 20 months, expressed his desire to depart from Newcastle, leading to his placement on gardening leave. Darren Eales, the CEO, acknowledged the club’s natural disappointment with Ashworth’s decision, especially considering earlier optimism that the 52-year-old would have a long-term tenure at St James’ Park.
Nevertheless, Newcastle is standing firm and not yielding easily as Manchester United engages in negotiations for a compensation package. Eddie Howe issued a caution, stating, ‘we are very protective of what’s ours,’ indicating the club’s assertive stance. In order to release Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations, Newcastle is insisting on an eight-figure fee, potentially reaching £20 million.
Newcastle, though, isn’t going to give up easily while Manchester United tries to work out a settlement. ‘We are very defensive of what’s ours,’ Eddie Howe said. Newcastle is demanding an eight-figure compensation, up to £20 million, in order to free Ashworth from his contractual duties.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe criticized the demands as ‘silly,’ going so far as to deem the idea of Dan Ashworth ‘sitting in his garden’ for up to two years as ‘absurd.’ However, Tom Lockyer echoed the sentiments expressed by Gary Neville. The Manchester United legend had suggested that paying the compensation could prevent his former club from ‘blowing another £100m on poor moves in the next transfer window.’ Lockyer, providing a player’s perspective, supported this viewpoint.
“The players will be aware of what’s going on but, for me, if that’s the route you’re going to go down, £20 million, what’s that nowadays?” he stated to the BBC. Exactly, Lockyer said in response to the question of how much a backup right-back would cost. He is a Wales international. Simply finish it. Just get it done if I’m Man United and they want him in.”