Dan Ashworth left his role as Manchester United‘s sporting director after just five months.
Athletics reports that this decision was initiated by the hierarchy of Man Utd, led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and general manager Omar Berrada, the decision to part ways with Ashworth having been accepted following the 3-2 defeat against Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
The 53-year-old officially took up his post at Old Trafford on July 1 after a lengthy gardening leave with his former club. Newcastle United due to negotiations between clubs over exit fees.
Manchester United were eager to sign Ashworth, who they considered to be a world-class talent, and eventually paid a fee of around £2–3 million to bring him to Old Trafford.
Ashworth played a significant role in revamping the club after Ratcliffe purchased a minority stake and oversaw major footballing decisions, such as agreeing to keep Erik ten Hag as manager over the summer and spend almost £200 million on players like Lény Yoro, Manuel UgartéAnd Joshua Zirkzeeamong others.
In the past, Ratcliffe has been full of praise for Ashworth’s work, first with Brighton & Hove Albion and then at Newcastle, having said in February: “Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the best sporting directors in the world. I have no doubt that he is a very competent person.
“He is interested in Manchester United because it is the biggest challenge for the biggest club in the world. It would be different at City because we maintain a level. This is an important reconstruction work. This would be a very good addition.
Ratcliffe was criticized by Man Utd fans for removing concessions for unsold tickets at Premier League matches and introducing a minimum price of £66. It sparked protests at Old Trafford ahead of last weekend’s win over Everton.
Speaking to fanzine ‘United We Stand’ at the time, Ratcliffe warned of making “difficult and unpopular decisions” in the future.
He said: “Manchester United have become mediocre. It’s supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world.
“We have to make difficult and unpopular decisions. If you avoid difficult decisions, then nothing much will change. »
Ashworth’s decision to leave the club was reportedly mutual.
