Alan Shearer makes 'three-word' claim over Newcastle United's demands for Man Utd target Dan Ashworth

Alan Shearer has given his view on Manchester United’s pursuit of Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The Red Devils have identified the former Football Association director of elite development to take up a lead role at Old Trafford following the confirmation Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s investment at the 13-time Premier League champions had been approved. With the lifelong United supporter now believed to be in control of football operations, one major appointment has been after Omar Berrada was tempted away from rivals Manchester City to take up a position as chief executive.

Ashworth is next on the list for Ratcliffe and there have been reports suggesting Ashworth has already told Newcastle he wishes to end his two-year stay at St James Park after receiving an approach from the INEOS supremo. The Mail have reported the Magpies have a two-year gardening leave period written into Ashworth’s contract and that means the Red Devils will have to pay ‘an enhanced compensation fee’ to release him from the deal and allow him to take up a key position within the Old Trafford hierarchy.

Should Ratcliffe and his team fail to reach an agreement with Newcastle, Ashworth could be forced to remain on gardening leave until the of the January 2026 transfer window. That period of leave is believed to have been started and the North East club are said to be demanding a fee of between £15m and £20m before they will authorise Ashworth’s move.

The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards has reported Newcastle will look towards the highest of those two figures - and Magpies legend Alan Shearer has taken to his social media to deliver a short of sharp response to the claim. The former England captain, who was linked with a move to Old Trafford twice during his career, simply replied ‘Is that all?’, suggesting he thinks his old club should play hardball with their Premier League rivals.