'Immediately' - Manchester United second summer deal agreed after Newcastle United U-turn

Ashworth was placed on gardening leave by Newcastle in February after signalling his intention to move to Old Trafford. But the Magpies stood firm on a compensation fee, initially demanding up to £20million, much to annoyance of co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

“I think it’s a bit silly, personally,” Ratcliffe said earlier this year. “I won’t get dragged into that. 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.”

Also speaking last week, Ratcliffe said: “Newcastle are just being very difficult and very awkward about Dan. Until you get the people in, it's quite difficult to drive the change and it's just frustrating.”

With negotiations between the two clubs at an impasse, Ashworth had intended to take the Magpies to arbitration to help facilitate his switch The Red Devils were prepared to pay his legal costs.

However, that scenario has been avoided after finally agreeing a fee. It’s understood Newcastle are happy with the package which has contributed towards their Premier League Profitability and Sustainability Rules (PSR) calculations.

It comes less than 24 hours after the Magpies were forced to sell young duo Yankuba Minteh and Elliot Anderson to Brighton & Hove Albion and Nottingham Forest, respectively, to avoid a potential points deduction.

Ashworth, who is expected to start work immediately, will be responsible for football performance, recruitment and operations at Man United and working alongside technical director Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, who will officially arrive from Manchester City later this month.

After winning the FA Cup, Erik ten Hag will stay on as Man United boss, reportedly agreeing a new contract until 2027. Meanwhile, Newcastle’s search for Ashworth’s successor continues after Dougie Freedman turned down the role in favour of remaining at Crystal Palace.

Ashworth has a good reputation in the eyes of Man United chiefs but his time on Tyneside will be viewed as hugely unsuccessful following his decision to bail on the project 18 months after arriving from Brighton.