Arsenal sent major Dan Ashworth warning as Man United and Newcastle decision speaks volumes

Martin Keown has warned Arsenal about appointing Dan Ashworth after he hastily swapped St James' Park for Old Trafford. The former Manchester United sporting director left the club on Sunday after only five months, having been prised away from his previous employers, Newcastle United, following protracted negotiations.

This move was seen as a bold statement from new minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. Despite being lauded as 'one of the best sporting directors in the world' by the British billionaire, Ashworth's decision to leave the Magpies – a move that ended badly, necessitated arbitration, resulted in him being put on gardening leave and left Eddie Howe disappointed – was criticised at the time.

Now, Keown has reignited this controversy, questioning whether his beloved former club, who have been linked with Ashworth following Edu's departure, should chase someone who could look to jump ship in the future. Speaking to David Seaman on the Seaman Says podcast, brought to you by Betway, the Arsenal legend said: "I was troubled with the fact that he wanted to leave Newcastle so quickly.

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"Suddenly, something's glistening in the distance, shiny in the shape of Manchester United, and he wants to jump from Newcastle. Okay, what sort of personality are we talking about?"

Keown voiced his concerns about the disruption caused by sporting directors leaving their roles abruptly. He said: "The sporting directors, they're role models within the building.

"They're having a say with all the young players, their behaviour,