Dan Ashworth Leaves Man United After Just Five Months as Sporting Director

Dan Ashworth has reportedly parted ways with Manchester United just five months into his role as the club’s sporting director, according to The Athletic’s David Ornstein. The Englishman joined the Red Devils after leaving Newcastle United after intense negotiations between the two clubs over the move.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner, is said to have played a ‘pivotal’ role in the decision over Ashworth’s departure. The hierarchy feels the transition since his arrival just months ago has not been as smooth as expected. A meeting was held with chief executive Omar Berrada after Ruben Amorim’s side suffered a shock 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford (December 7).

Manchester United are believed to have prompted the separation, although they claim it has been mutually agreed. Ashworth had overseen the club’s recruitment, football performance and operations, working with Jason Wilcox, who arrived as technical director from Southampton.

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Ratcliffe had said this week that ‘difficult decisions’ would need to be made to get United back to competing at the top of English football. The Red Devils spent £176 million in the summer on signings such as Manuel Ugarte and Matthijs de Ligt. They sit 13th in the Premier League table and have endured their worst start to a league campaign in history.

More to follow…