New Man Utd owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe hits out at Newcastle over "absurd" Dan Ashworth plan

New Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has slammed Newcastle’s plan for sporting director Dan Ashworth as “absurd” - as they block his move to Old Trafford.

The Red Devils have approached Newcastle about poaching Ashworth and making him the club’s new sporting director, with Ratcliffe believing he is one of the best operators in world football. Ratcliffe, who is taking control of footballing operations at United, wants the ex-Brighton and England chief to overhaul the club’s recruitment department.

But the Saudi-backed Toon are playing hardball over Ashworth; they have put him on gardening leave for 18 months and want £20million in compensation.

Ratcliffe, who has already poached Omar Berrada from Manchester City to make him United’s new CEO as of this summer, is refusing to pay and insists he won’t be held to ransom by his Premier League rivals.

"Dan Ashworth is clearly one of top sporting directors in the world. I have no doubt he is a very capable person,” said Ratcliffe on Wednesday. "He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge, at the biggest club in the world.

"It would be different at Manchester City, because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. And I think he would be a very good addition.

"He needs to decide if he is going to make that jump. We have had words with Newcastle, who would be disappointed.

“I understand why they would be disappointed, but then you can’t criticise Dan because it’s a transient industry. You can understand why Dan would be interested, because it’s the ultimate challenge.

"We'll have to see how it unfolds. What I do think is completely absurd, is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a