Man United’s move for Dan Ashworth could collapse as Sandro Tonali raises alarm bells – sources
Man United are “wobbling” over appointing sporting director Dan Ashworth amid concerns over his role in the Sandro Tonali saga, sources have told Football Insider.
The Red Devils and Newcastle are yet to reach an agreement over compensation after Ashworth handed in his resignation and was placed on gardening leave in February following his acceptance of United’s offer.
Ashworth has agreed terms with the 20-times league champions but Newcastle have demanded between £15-20million in compensation for the transfer guru.
However, United are believed to be “very concerned” over his handling of the Magpies’ signing of Tonali last summer (2023).
Alarm bells are ringing at Old Trafford over how Newcastle paid £60million to sign Tonali from AC Milan but he was soon banned for 10 months for betting rule breaches after being charged by the Italian FA.
The Italy international has recently been charged by the English FA – who could ban the midfielder for a lengthier period.
Ashworth effectively signed the deal off after a lack of due diligence and has been criticised heavily by fans of the Tyneside club as a result.
Ashworth and company were under scrutiny for what was seen by the Magpies’ angered owners, the Saudi-based Public Investment Fund, as an avoidable error as well as a bad one.
Following their minority takeover, Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS outfit had made the transfer guru their top target as they look to rebuild the club’s recruitment team.
As well as Tonali, Ashworth had overseen the arrivals of top performers Alexander Isak and Sven Botman at St James’ Park.
It has been widely reported that Man United are closing in on an agreement to bring Southampton sporting director Jason Wilcox to the club.
United sit sixth in the Premier League table with Ratcliffe yet to get a chance to put his mark on the team in a transfer window.
