Premier League powerhouse Manchester United has revealed that Dan Ashworth will be stepping down from his position as Sporting Director after a brief tenure of five months.
The announcement follows a tumultuous week for the club, which saw United endure a 3-2 home loss against Nottingham Forest. This defeat marked the second consecutive setback, following a Wednesday defeat to Arsenal, renowned for their proficiency with corner kicks.
“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,”
the club stated on their official website. They continued,
“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.”
Ashworth’s exit occurs merely five months after he was recruited from Premier League competitors Newcastle United by Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS. Under INEOS’s stewardship, which assumed control over Manchester United’s football operations from the Glazer family, Ashworth was anticipated to collaborate closely with Sir Dave Brailsford and the newly appointed CEO, Omar Berrada.
During his short stint, Ashworth played a pivotal role in significant club decisions. He was instrumental in the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the new head coach following the dismissal of Erik ten Hag. Additionally, Ashworth is believed to have been a key figure in the club’s decision to retain Ten Hag’s services during the off-season.
Financially, Ashworth oversaw a substantial investment in player acquisitions, with the club reportedly allocating approximately £200 million towards new signings. Notable additions to the squad under his watch include Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Mattijs de Ligt, and Joshua Zirkzee.
The departure of Ashworth raises questions about the future direction of Manchester United’s sporting strategy. Stakeholders and fans alike will be keenly observing the club’s next steps as it navigates this period of transition amidst recent on-field challenges.
