Dan Ashworth leaves Manchester United after just five months as sporting director

Dan Ashworth has vacated his position as Manchester United’s sporting director.

Following a lengthy period of gardening leave with previous side Newcastle, Ashworth finally began work at United at the start of July ahead of the 2024/25 season.

But just five months after taking on the role, United have confirmed that Ashworth has departed by mutual consent, with a brief statement on the club’s website thanking the 53-year-old for his services.

‘Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as sporting director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,’ the statement read.

‘We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.’

According to The Athletic, the decision to terminate Ashworth’s contract was instigated by the club and minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who oversees United’s sporting operations – was ‘pivotal’ in the move.

Ashworth reported into chief executive officer Omar Berrada and had been responsible for football performance, recruitment and operations.

In the summer, Ashworth played an instrumental role in much of United’s transfer business, helping facilitate deals for Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui as the Old Trafford giants splashed out in excess of £200million.

Ashworth joined United with a stellar reputation having previously excelled in roles with Newcastle, Brighton, West Brom and the FA.

The bombshell news comes just five games into Ruben Amorim’s reign as United’s head coach. Ashworth had been a key player in the dismissal of the Portuguese’s predecessor Erik ten Hag.

In February, Ratcliffe hailed Ashworth as ‘one of the top sporting directors’ in world football and claimed he would be a ‘very good addition’ at the Theatre of Dreams.

‘I have no doubt he is a very capable person,’ United’s co-owner said of Ashworth.

‘He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world.

‘It would be different at Manchester City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition.’

Less than a month ago, Asworth was all smiles while welcoming Amorim to United’s training complex in Carrington.

The Red Devils have endured a turbulent start to the season and sit 13th in the Premier League table following a 3-2 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest this weekend.

Amorim’s men have a busy few days ahead, beginning with a trip to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday evening before an eagerly anticipated Premier League clash with Manchester City just three days later.

Facing the media after United’s loss to Forest, Amorim urged supporters to have patience at the start of what he described as a ‘long journey’ for the club.

‘It was a tough game, we started the two halves really bad,’ he said.

‘It was hard to pass on some calm to the players and continue the game as we should do. We had not a lot of quality but a lot of heart. Suffering two goals after half time in this context is really hard.

‘We need more time to put positionings in. If you see the first goal it was good combination between the players and after the first goal we had good moments, creating chances but then we went forward without thinking.

‘It’s a tough context but we have to understand this is a long journey and that’s what our jobs are.’

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