Manchester United baffled by Newcastle compensation claim for Dan Ashworth

Manchester United are baffled by Newcastle's posturing over the expected departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth. Ashworth was placed on gardening leave on Monday amid his desire to join United less than two years on from officially starting his role at Newcastle.

The Manchester Evening News revealed last week Ashworth wants to join United and he is the only candidate the Ineos Group wants to install as the club's inaugural sporting director.

United are perplexed by Newcastle's rationale of demanding up to five times the amount they paid Brighton in compensation to recruit Ashworth in February 2022. Brighton reputedly demanded £5million from Newcastle for Ashworth but eventually settled for a lower figure.

READ MORE: United had a point about Kane's 'disadvantages' amid Hojlund form

READ MORE: United have a new-look midfield option

Newcastle are under pressure to meet the Premier League's profitability and sustainability rules and United are adamant they will not ease a Premier League rival's financial issues.

Ashworth is unlikely to have a bearing on United's summer transfer activity as they usually finalise a shortlist of targets in January. Although United would understandably prefer to recruit Ashworth as soon as possible, a club source said they are prepared to wait as Ashworth is the right man for the long-term.

The Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales said on Monday: "We are naturally disappointed that Dan has chosen to leave, however our exciting journey doesn't stop and the process to recruit a new sporting director will begin immediately.

"We thank Dan for his efforts at Newcastle United and we wish him and his family well for the future."

The Ineos sporting director Sir Dave Brailsford is familiar