Man United gain key advantage over Newcastle that could finally help them land Dan Ashworth | OneFootball

Manchester United reportedly feel that they’ve gained an advantage over Newcastle in their bid to appoint Dan Ashworth, amidst the Magpies’ Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR) concerns.

Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his partial 27.7% investment into United in February, all focus has been on implementing the right football structure to lead the club into its new era.

As part of Ratcliffe’s vision to have a “best-in-class” structure, Ashworth was identified as the perfect man to assume a maiden sporting director role at Old Trafford. Ashworth proceeded to inform Newcastle of his desire to join the INEOS billionaire’s project – an act that angered the Tyneside outfit, who responded by placing him on immediate gardening leave.

Newcastle are thought to want an unrealistic compensation package worth around £20m to let their executive circumvent his notice period and start work at United immediately. On their part, INEOS have made it very clear they’re not willing to fork out such an amount on non-playing personnel.

Both clubs have since dug in their heels and have shown no signs whatsoever of compromising. This led to Ashworth taking Eddie Howe’s side to arbitration in an effort to unlock the stalemate.

A previous report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that the Red Devils will cover all the legal costs associated with the matter.

It seemed very unlikely that Ashworth would be in place at Old Trafford before the summer window commences but in a slight update provided by The Independent, it appears there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for United.

The newspaper states that the standoff – having evolved from farcical to now resembling a “game of chicken,” might be resolved in the next few weeks.

This is because Newcastle need the money they’d receive from parting ways with Ashworth to ensure compliance with the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR).

“Newcastle are insistent on compensation of £25m, which has completely stalled the move of the highly rated sporting director.”

“However, Manchester United feel their leverage on the deal is starting to increase as Newcastle’s preference is to have the situation sorted in the next six weeks so that the income counts towards this cycle’s PSR rules.”

PSR regulations permit clubs to only lose up to £105m over three seasons. This term, the likes of Everton and Nottingham Forest have been subjected to points deductions for breaching the rules.

Meanwhile, United also have to be careful not to fall on the wrong side of PSR. As pointed out by the Independent, this is one of the factors that will be considered when a decision on whether or not to part ways with Erik ten Hag is made.

The Dutchman and his coaching staff would be in line for considerable compensation and their replacements would also command hefty wages.

On United and Newcastle’s negotiations for Ashworth, the Independent add, “While the situation suggests that both clubs will come to a deal before the June cut-off, there is currently extreme intransigence on both sides due to how much it can influence future recruitment decisions.”

United return to action on Sunday when they take on Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal.

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