BREAKING NEWS: Coming live from Fabrizio Romano, Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs.

Manchester United have officially confirmed the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their sporting director, securing him from Newcastle United. After months of negotiations, United have reached an agreement on a suitable compensation package with Newcastle, who were initially holding out for a ‘significant return on their investment’. This deal was finalized last week ahead of the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability deadline.

Ashworth, who had been on gardening leave at Newcastle since Manchester United’s official approach in February, would have been unable to join the club until the end of 2025 unless a compensation package was agreed upon. Now, with the agreement in place, he will take on the overall responsibility for Manchester United’s football operations, including on-pitch strategy and off-pitch recruitment. He will also oversee all football matters, ensuring a clear long-term plan is followed at every level of the club and leading contract negotiations.

A joint statement from both clubs read: “Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”