Image Credits: GETTY IMAGES
Dan Ashworth is in talks to take on a shock new position following his departure from Manchester United, according to reports.
The 54-year-old officially left his role as United’s sporting director by mutual consent in December.
However, it was widely reported that minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe had played a key role in his exit.
United’s latest accounts revealed that the club paid £4.1 million in compensation to bring Ashworth from Newcastle in the summer, covering both his recruitment and severance package after his short tenure.
Since leaving United, Ashworth has been involved in a consultancy role with Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
A voluntary and unpaid position he had first taken up in 2021.
Dan Ashworth set for shock return to FA
Now, The Telegraph reports that he is in discussions over a return to a high-profile role at the FA, where he previously worked before leaving for Brighton in 2018.
Ashworth remains highly regarded within the organisation.
The report states he is under consideration for a newly created senior position.
The proposed role would see Ashworth lead the ‘St George’s Park 2.0 project’.
A large-scale redevelopment of England’s national training facility.
His responsibilities would extend across both the men’s and women’s senior and junior teams.
As well as focusing on the development of British coaches.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe reflects on Ashworth and Ten Hag
Ashworth’s departure from United was linked to his involvement in extending Erik ten Hag’s contract and shaping the club’s transfer plans under the Dutchman.
Reflecting on that period, Ratcliffe admitted mistakes were made.
“They were just mistakes,” he told The Telegraph.
“There was quite a lot of debate at that time. [Ten Hag] had just won a Cup final.
“The fans were clearly of the view that we’d like to stick with him, and all that sort of stuff.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
“They were both mistakes. I don’t think we can say much more than that.
“We’re talking about our old industry [with Ineos]. I think we just have to say [on Ashworth], chemistry.
“Really, I don’t want to go down that. It is what it is, and it was our fault.”
Now, Ashworth looks set for a fresh challenge.
One that could see him return to a key role in shaping English football’s future.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!
Source: Centred Devils
