Dan Ashworth was appointed as Manchester United’s sporting director on July 1, 2024, after a long negotiation process with Newcastle United, where he was on gardening leave.
His arrival was seen as a statement move by the new INEOS-led management, especially by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who had publicly praised Ashworth’s capabilities.
- Initial Role
Ashworth was placed in charge of football performance, recruitment, and operations at United. He played a significant role in the summer transfer window, overseeing the spending of approximately £200 million on new signings like Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, and Joshua Zirkzee among others.
He also had a hand in the decision to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract despite a poor season performance.
- The Decision to Part Ways
Despite the initial high expectations, Ashworth left his role after just five months, with his departure agreed upon in a meeting with CEO Omar Berrada.
The decision was described as mutual by the club, but sources indicated Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in this call to part ways with Dan Ashworth.
A source from Manchester United indicated that relations with Dan Ashworth had been strained for some time.
Another insider familiar with the club’s operations commented that there are “too many influential figures and egos within the organization, making it inevitable that someone would depart.”
- Impact of Managerial Changes
Ashworth was involved when United decided to sack Erik ten Hag in October 2024 after a poor start to the season.
Ashworth favoured a British coach to replace Ten Hag, and did not support the appointment of Ruben Amorim.
His influence seemed to wane with the arrival of Ruben Amorim, where Berrada played a more significant role in the managerial change.
It is believed that Omar Berrarda and Dan Ashworth had a Personality clash during their time together at Manchester United.
Dan Ashworth short stint at United has been seen as a shock and an embarrassment for the club, especially given the time and money invested to secure his services.
The move reflects poorly on the planning and decision-making of the new ownership under INEOS, raising questions about the club’s direction.
- INEOS first 10month at Manchester United has
Cut over 200 jobs, sacked Alex Ferguson, sacked Ten Hag, cancelled free tickets and meals for all staffs, increased the price of tickets for fans and Sacked Sporting Director Dan Ashworth.
David De Gea could be right. This club is cursed. Ashworth’s sacking after only five months, less time than the negotiation to bring him in, underscores a period of instability at Manchester United. This is a poor move from the club.