‘Do one’ - Manchester United face fresh Newcastle United rejection in Dan Ashworth saga

Former Crystal Palace owner Simon Jordan has urged Newcastle United to “double down” on their hardball stance over Dan Ashworth.

Toon chiefs have refused to bow down to Manchester United, demanding £20million to cut him from his contract early. Old Trafford officials had hoped Newcastle would reduce their price tag, which has remained consistent since the sporting director announced his desire to leave in February. 

The Magpies placed Ashworth on gardening leave until January 2026 - frustrating Man United and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. Ineos billionaire Ratcliffe is planning a summer rebuild at the Theatre of Dreams, with the Toon director the final piece of the puzzle.

Erik ten Hag has kept his place in the dugout while Jason Wilcox and Omar Berrada will shake up the boardroom this summer. The latter is also on gardening leave from Manchester City until July.

Ashworth embarrassingly shared messages between himself and Berrada to his Newcastle email account before outlining his intention to leave, the Daily Mail confirmed last month. This revelation came just weeks before the former Brighton supremo's arbitration case against the Magpies.

Ashworth is looking to push through a move and Ratcliffe has gone public multiple times to bemoan Newcastle’s position. However, ex-Palace owner Jordan backed the Toon hierarchy, insisting he would also tell Man United to “do one” if placed in their shoes. 

“I think Newcastle should absolutely double down and tell him and whoever they liaison with at Man United to do one and pay the price,” he told talkSPORT. “Or get on with the consequences of not paying it.”