If Manchester United feel Newcastle are pricing them out of a move for Dan Ashworth, they only have themselves to blame.

Last night, it was confirmed that the 52-year-old has been immediately placed on gardening leave after asking to leave Newcastle for Manchester. However, if the Red Devils wish for him to start work at Old Trafford before January 2026, The Telegraph report that they'll have to pay a whopping PS20m.

Some report that Man Utd have baulked at this figure, while so many on social media have slated Newcastle for potentially pricing Ashworth out of an immediate move. But there's a very good reason why we have every right to ask for big money.

Back in January 2022, Man Utd's frankly ridiculous demands for Jesse Lingard were widely reported. We were in the midst of a relegation battle and considered a rival following Saudi investment, but they demanded a package worth PS16.5m for a FOUR months of football.

Sky Sports reported that they asked for a PS2.5m loan fee and his wages to be paid in full, along with a PS12m 'survival bonus' that would take the total package to PS16.5m.

Fast forward two years, we are asking PS20m for a top-class sporting director who will play a huge role in overseeing INEOS' big plans at Old Trafford. He's under contract at Newcastle and hasn't long arrived on Tyneside. Yet they demand that we don't stand in his way and agree to a reasonable fee?

As a rival, they didn't want to help us in 2022 when we came knocking for their fringe player who couldn't get a game under Erik ten Hag. That was a short-term loan. This is a long-term investment and them cherry-picking their top target from one of the biggest threats outside the 'big six'. The arrogance and entitlement I'm seeing online is laughable, with so many Mancs expecting us to just reduce our fee and roll over...just like they did with Lingard?

They often say 'what goes around comes around' and that's exactly what Manchester United must accept. Pay up or shut up. You made your bed two years ago, now lie in it.