Sir Jim Ratcliffe got what he wanted – he went into the Manchester United boardroom. The British billionaire is a long-time United’s fan and wanted to buy the club, but since it became impossible, he bought a minority share and is in charge of the weakest area of the club – the sporting department. Successful in all areas he has worked in his life, Ratcliffe began a revamp of the club’s most critical area and already brought in a new CEO and a technical Director. But, he cannot have it all easy, and getting a sports director has proven to be the most difficult task yet. Especially since he made a blunder in a process.🚨INEOS have offered £2M, but Newcastle want £15M for Dan Ashworth! [@TelegraphDucker] pic.twitter.com/qbsyu5AHuw— Frank🧠🇳🇱 (fan) (@TenHagEra) April 23, 2024 When he came to the club and identified weaknesses, he decided to bring a new sports director. And what better man than Dan Ashworth? Ratcliffe’s right hand man Sir David Brailsford used to work with the current Newcastle’s sporting director and believes he is the right man to turn around a Manchester giant. But, in a process of acquiring Ashworth, who is under a contract with the Magpies, Ratcliffe didn’t inform Newcastle of his intensions, but the word got out through the media, about two weeks before the director himself came and asked to go. The irritated the rich Saudi owners with this attitude and what they got now is an impasse with is unlikely to be resolved soon. The bottom line – United and Newcastle are 13 million pounds apart in their evaluation of Ashworth!Off the field win for Manchester: Jason Wilcox to join the Red DevilsRatcliffe was lucky with other two acquisitions. Omar Berrada is the biggest coupe, as he came directly from Manchester City to become United’s CEO and is currently on a gardening leave, but the Citizens have a policy never to stand in anyone’s way (if they don’t want to work anymore) so a compensation was quickly resolved. Jason Wilcox was easy to get as his compensation was lower and he came from Championship side Southampton, so he joined immediately to the club. But, the Magpies signed a strong contract with Ashworth and after they were treated, they asked 20 million pounds for him. Ratcliffe said it was ‘silly’ and offered only two million, even thou Newcastle paid four million to Brighton or Ashworth. With this kind of behavior, the Saudi owners won’t let him leave without at least 15 million from United. His contract says that he can be on a gardening leave (where he is now) until 2025! Newcastle are preparing for a life after Ashworth and already have three candidates on their shortlist, while Ratcliffe probably won’t have his new director by June, when the majority of the work is done. The Magpies are having a strong hand in this game of poker, so it’s basically ‘pay up or shut up’ for Ratcliffe.PREMIER LEAGUE – MATCHDAY 29TuesdayArsenal – Chelsea 5-0 (1-0)/Trossard 4, White 52, 70, Havertz 57, 65/Wednesday21:45: (2.85) Wolverhampton (3.50) Bournemouth (2.55)22:00: (1.35) Man.Utd. (5.60) Sheffield Utd (9.50)22:00: (8.00) Everton (4.80) Liverpool (1.45)22:00: (2.80) Crystal Palace (3.45) Newcastle (2.45)Thursday22:00: (7.00) Brighton (4.50) Man.City (1.45)***odds are subject to change***
