- Dan Ashworth officially started working at United in July after leaving Newcastle
- The departure was agreed in a meeting held after United’s defeat against Nottingham Forest
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Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has reportedly left his role after just five months.
Ashworth officially started work at Old Trafford on July 1 after a long period of gardening leave at his former club Newcastle United.
However, his shock exit is said to have been agreed in a meeting with United CEO Omar Berrada following last night’s defeat to Nottingham Forest.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reportedly instrumental in the decision, although sources have said The Athletic that the club instigated the departure.
United say the agreement to terminate Ashworth’s contract was mutual.
Ashworth, 53, was appointed to oversee football performance and recruitment at the club and reported to Berrada, recently arrived from Manchester City.
Dan Ashworth steps down as Manchester United sporting director after five months
Ashworth’s shock exit (second from left) was agreed during a meeting at Old Trafford.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was reportedly instrumental in the decision and United instigated the exit.
In turn, Jason Wilcox, United’s technical director, worked under Ashworth as part of the new hierarchy implemented by Ratcliffe.
Ashworth was involved in the Red Devils’ £200m spend over the summer, with Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee also recruited as part of the substantial outlay.
He was later mentioned in the statements confirming each signing.
Ashworth was also part of the executive team that made the decision to give Erik ten Hag a new contract and then fire him a few months later.
His appointment at United came after careful negotiations with Newcastle. Ashworth informed the Tyneside club that he wanted to move to Old Trafford in February and was reportedly willing to take them to arbitration.
Newcastle had initially demanded around £20 million in compensation, although a deal worth £2 million to £3 million was eventually agreed.
“Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the greatest sporting directors in the world,” Ratcliffe said in February. “I have no doubt that he is a very capable person.
“He is interested in Manchester United because it is the biggest challenge in the biggest club in the world. At City it would be different because you are maintaining a level. There is an important reconstruction work here. He would be a very good addition.”
Ashworth joined Newcastle after resigning from his managerial role at Brighton in February 2022. He previously held the same position at the Football Association.
