Manchester United finally CONFIRM the appointment of Dan Ashworth as sporting director as they release joint statement with Newcastle, four months after he was put on gardening leave

Manchester United have finally installed Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director after agreeing a compensation settlement with Newcastle.

Ashworth has been on gardening leave for the last four months and was about to take Newcastle to arbitration after they rejected United's offer of £2million and demanded £20m.

However, the two clubs reached a compromise over the weekend that will enable United to formally appoint the 53-year-old who will start work immediately.

They issued a joint statement saying: 'Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United.

'The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.'

The timing of the deal is significant in terms of profit and sustainability rules because it allowed Newcastle to include the undisclosed compensation sum on their balance sheet before Sunday night's deadline.

Ashworth is now free to lead United's transfer strategy this summer as the club look to sign a new striker, defensive midfielder and centre-back.

Talks are progressing with Bayern Munich over a deal for Dutch defender Matthijs de Ligt worth £42m plus add-ons after United and Everton failed to agree on a fee for Jarrad Branthwaite.

United have identified Bologna's Joshua Zirkzee and Jonathan David, of Lille, as their top striker targets, while Paris Saint-Germain's Manuel Ugarte is among the midfield options being considered.

Ashworth's arrival means the new leadership team put together by new co-owners Ineos is almost complete, with chief executive Omar Berrada set to start work on July 13.

Manager Erik ten Hag is close to signing a new contract and talks are also progressing positively over recruiting Ruud van Nistelrooy and Rene Hake as his new assistants.

Ten Hag's current No.2 Mitchell van der Gaag appears likely to follow forwards coach Benni McCarthy out of the club, and United's other assistant manager Steve McClaren is holding talks over his future.