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MANCHESTER UNITED are ready to wait another NINE MONTHS for Dan Ashworth to start work as their new sporting director.
Ashworth, 53, was due to be one of the first recruits under Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s new regime in February.
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But his current club Newcastle refused to let Ashworth go without compensation and put him on gardening leave.
It is believed Toon initially demanded £20million to secure the services of Ashworth, who moved to St James’ Park from Brighton in 2022.
But Red Devils co-owner Ratcliffe branded that figure “absurd” so the case will go to arbitration and be decided by a third party.
Ashworth has a long-standing relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford — head of sport at Ratcliffe’s Ineos empire and now United’s director of sport — with the pair beginning their connection during Ashworth’s spell working at the Football Association.
And United are prepared to hold on for their No 1 choice even if that means Ashworth has to serve a lot more time on gardening leave.
The end date of the process is being kept secret but insiders revealed he may not be able to move until March.
That means United will go through the next TWO transfer windows without him.
And with Newcastle standing firm, Ashworth has been left in limbo while United are relying heavily on Brailsford as they look to do some deals — and sell off many of the unwanted men in Erik ten Hag’s squad.
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