By Samuel A. December 8, 2024
Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has departed Manchester United after just five months in his role at the club, the club have confirmed. Ashworth joined Manchester United from Newcastle in the summer as Manchester United were determined to start a major shakeup after their new owners took over. There were negotiations between the clubs, with Newcastle demanding up to £20 million for his services, before a widely reported fee of around £3m was agreed. However, it is understood that the move has not worked out as planned, with Ashworth and United deciding to part ways.
In a statement, the club said: “We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.” According to reports, Ashworth’s exit was decided following United’s 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, in a meeting held by the club’s chief executive, Omar Berrada. Under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and overseen by Sir Dave Brailsford, Ashworth led all things relating to football performance, recruitment and operations, alongside technical director Jason Wilcox.
There were hopes that Ashworth, alongside Wilcox in a new look hierarchy, would play a key role in reshaping the club after a tumultuous few years both on and off the pitch. Ashworth is also understood to have played a crucial part in keeping former manager Erik ten Hag at the club during the summer, before the Dutchman was consequently sacked three months later despite being handed a new contract extension.
During Ashworth’s only summer in post, United spent around £200m on the likes of Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.
Ashworth is understood to have played a key role in signing those players and was quoted in each announcement. Following their summer spending, United have picked up their lowest number of points after 15 league games since the 1986/87 season. The defeat to Forest on Saturday was the club’s sixth of the season in the league, which has left them languishing in 13th place. It was also their second successive loss under new boss Ruben Amorim, following their reverse at Arsenal during midweek.
