sportskeeda
MANCHESTER UNITED has decided to discontinue the sporting director role after the Dan Ashworth initiative was deemed unsuccessful.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe ended Ashworth’s contract following Saturday’s 3-2 loss at home to Nottingham Forest.
2
2
Ashworth, who is now being pursued by Premier League rivals Arsenal, was the first sporting director for United.
However, his tenure lasted only five months, marking the conclusion of the role within the club.
Part-owner Ratcliffe has decided that Sir Dave Brailsford, along with CEO Omar Berrada and Technical Director Jason Wilcox, will share the responsibilities of the position.
Ashworth, 53, was dismissed from Old Trafford following a power struggle with Berrada, a former City executive.
The two had significant disagreements over the club’s future direction as they aimed to regain dominance in English football.
Although Ashworth has a history with Newcastle, Brighton, West Brom, and the FA, he may soon find an opportunity for a quick return.
Arsenal is evaluating candidates to succeed Edu as sporting director at the Emirates, and Ashworth’s unexpected availability has piqued interest.
Ashworth maintains a strong relationship with Gunners managing director Richard Garlick, who is leading the search for a new sporting director.
FOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS
Inside Man Utd turmoil following Ashworth’s departure
THE blame game continues as the situation deteriorates at Old Trafford.
Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, joined in the summer but has been dismissed ahead of the holiday season.
SunSport reported last month that tensions were escalating behind the scenes.
The new senior management team had already begun pointing fingers regarding the club’s troubled state.
Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to absolve themselves, claiming they had arrived too late due to their gardening leave.
New part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe emphasized that the responsibility for decisions rested with them. Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox attributed the disorder to the previous administration under Erik ten Hag, despite his earlier support for Ten Hag’s continued position when others were skeptical.
It’s been suggested that Ashworth did not endorse the appointment of his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience. This could explain the frequent mentions of former England manager Gareth Southgate, given their previous collaboration at the FA.
Regardless, the team’s performance against Nottingham Forest, following their second-half collapse against Arsenal a few days earlier, was deemed unacceptable.
The pair had previously collaborated at West Brom for three years.
Garlick had served as legal director at The Hawthorns, working under Ashworth before succeeding him as the club’s sporting director when Ashworth moved to the FA in 2013.
Man Utd cult hero Nani announces retirement with emotional video after the tragic loss of his father
Everton is also monitoring Ashworth’s situation as they await The Friedkin Group to finalize a takeover.
The club’s potential new ownership is undergoing a structural review, which will create new positions, including a chief executive and technical director.
SunSport confirms that Ashworth’s departure will also lead to further reductions at United.
Ashworth was opposed to excessive cutbacks, despite Ratcliffe’s wish for more.
Overall, 250 staff members have been affected by redundancy notices.
However, this may not be the end of the cuts, as Carrington may face further scrutiny, particularly in the academy and women’s football sectors, which are likely to undergo streamlining.
