Keith Wyness savages 'schoolboy' Ratcliffe after Dan Ashworth's Man United exit

Everton’s former chief Keith Wyness has claimed Dan Ashworth’s appointment has proven to be another “schoolboy error” from Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Speaking on the new edition of Football Insider’s Inside Track podcast, the 66-year-old – who served as CEO at Goodison Park between 2004 and 2009 and now runs a football consultancy advising elite clubs – insisted the billionaire’s inner circle are “sticking together” despite making a series of “huge mistakes”.

Man United released a two-sentence statement on Sunday (8 December) confirming Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director by mutual agreement.

He only officially started his role at Old Trafford on 1 July after a lengthy period of gardening leave at Newcastle while the two clubs settled compensation.

It has been widely reported that United paid around £3million to the Magpies after agreeing a deal with Ashworth – and will now have to pay more to the transfer guru following his exit.

Ratcliffe and his INEOS team have come under criticism for cost-cutting measures at Old Trafford, increases in ticket prices and the handling of Erik ten Hag’s contract extension.

Ratcliffe allies are ‘covering themselves and sticking together’ at Man United, says Wyness

Wyness told Football Insider‘s Insider Track podcast: “We’ve been pointing out schoolboy errors from Ratcliffe for a while now.

“But this one really does take the cake, it was incredible when I heard that news.

“When I started to think about it, it seems that Ashworth was late to the party – and he’s fallen foul of the chemistry in the inside group.

“His face didn’t seem to fit. Berrada, the CEO, has proven to be tough.

“There’s an inner circle around Ratcliffe, and unless your face fits – you won’t be there very long.

“They’re making a lot of mistakes, but they’re covering themselves and sticking together.

“Ashworth didn’t fit into that chemistry within the group, and so he was sacrificed.

“It’s another huge mistake. It’s a waste of money – not only to get him, but to pay him off.”

In other news, Man United transfer bombshell emerges after Ashworth exit.

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