Sir Jim Ratcliffe facing double Man Utd blow as Newcastle close in on key appointment

Newcastle United are closing in on the appointment of Dougie Freedman as their Director of Football – which could prove a major blow to Sir Jim Ratcliffe at Manchester United.

The Magpies are getting used to life without Dan Ashworth, who has been placed on gardening leave amid an ongoing dispute with the Red Devils. Ashworth had been the Director of Football at St James’ Park but had his head turned by advances from Manchester.

The two Premier League sides are at loggerheads of the amount of compensation that should be paid. Newcastle are holding out for £20million with the case now heading to arbitration in an effort to seek a resolution.

Freedman, who has performed impressive work in his current post at Crystal Palace, was another man on Ratcliffe’s wishlist as he builds an impressive senior set-up at Old Trafford. However Newcastle have made the first move, which means United could find themselves without Freedman and Ashworth if a ruling goes against them.

Ratcliffe has already begun making major changes with Manchester City ’s Omar Berrada taking over as chief executive this summer and Jason Wilcox recently arriving from Southampton as technical director. The experience of United’s footballing hierarchy has long been questioned, but the Ineos chief has quickly moved to change that.

Ratcliffe said in February regarding their pursuit of Newcastle’s chief: “I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world, I’ve no doubt. He’s a very capable person. He’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.

“We’ve obviously had words with Newcastle. They would clearly be disappointed to lose Dan. But 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 half years. That’s completely stupid.”

Newcastle are looking to land Dougie Freedman as Dan Ashworth’s replacement

Ashworth has worked with England and Brighton prior to his switch to Newcastle. His work with the Seagulls saw his stock rise and he’s been part of the impressive early work done at St James’ Park following their Saudi takeover.

Freedman meanwhile has become known for his ability to talent spot as Crystal Palace benefit from several shrewd acquisitions. The Eagles have signed young players from the Championship with several of them now seeing their values skyrocket as the south Londoners thrive.

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