Dan Ashworth has left his role as Manchester United’s sporting director, as reported by David Ornstein.
Ashworth’s tenure at the club lasted only five months, having officially joined on July 1 after a prolonged gardening leave from Newcastle United. However, the transition to his new position was fraught with challenges, culminating in his departure.
According to the report, the decision was finalized during a meeting between Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada at Old Trafford following United’s Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening. Sources indicate that while the club described the separation as mutual, it was United that initiated the process.
Ashworth’s departure comes as a shock, particularly given his key role in reshaping the club under the new INEOS-led hierarchy. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is said to have been instrumental in the decision to part ways with Ashworth. This move is expected to surprise many within United, considering Ashworth’s central role in football performance, recruitment, and operations.
The New Structure Under Ratcliffe
The Ratcliffe-led hierarchy, overseen by Sir Dave Brailsford, had positioned Ashworth as the head of football operations, with technical director Jason Wilcox reporting to him. Ashworth, in turn, reported to Berrada, who joined United from Manchester City this summer. This structure also played a role in the collective decision to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract earlier in the year.
Ashworth had been a key figure during a summer transfer window that saw United spend heavily, bringing in players like Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee for a combined total of around £200 million. He was also a voice in the decision to dismiss Ten Hag in October, paving the way for Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager—although that decision was largely driven by Berrada.
Dan Ashworth – A Promising Appointment Turned Sour
Ashworth’s departure raises questions about the leadership’s judgment, especially given the extensive efforts United made to secure his services. His appointment followed lengthy negotiations with Newcastle, where he had served as technical director. Newcastle initially demanded up to £20 million in compensation, but the clubs eventually agreed on a figure closer to £2-3 million. The process began in February, meaning United spent as much time waiting for him to join as he actually spent in the role.
Despite his short tenure, Ashworth brought a wealth of experience from previous roles, including time at Brighton & Hove Albion, the FA, and West Bromwich Albion. He was credited with playing a significant role in England’s youth teams’ success at the 2017 U-17 and U-20 World Cups.
Opinion: A Blow to United’s New Era
Ashworth’s exit is a significant setback for Manchester United, especially given his reputation as one of the best sporting directors in football. Ratcliffe had previously lauded Dan Ashworth as a top-tier operator capable of taking on the monumental task of rebuilding United. However, the decision to cut ties so quickly reflects Ratcliffe’s no-nonsense approach to underperformance.
While swift action can be seen as decisive, the situation inevitably raises questions about the initial decision-making process. The resources and time invested in bringing Ashworth to the club make his departure all the more embarrassing for United and its leadership.
This sudden development leaves United searching for a replacement in a structure that is still relatively new, amplifying the challenges of maintaining stability and progress during a critical period of rebuilding.
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