Rio Ferdinand shares what was 'creeping out' of Man United after shock sacking

Man United was a “very different situation” for Dan Ashworth and there wasn’t the “cohesiveness within the group”, according to Rio Ferdinand.

After Ashworth’s shock sacking on Sunday (8 December) he believes fractures existed within the hierarchy at Manchester United as the former sporting director couldn’t function in a situation where he wasn’t given free reign.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s INEOS waited months for Ashworth to complete his gardening leave at Newcastle, paying millions in compensation. However, they parted ways with him after just five months. [Sky Sports]

Former Red Devils’ captain Rio Ferdinand discussed the situation on his YouTube channel, Rio Ferdinand Presents. He explained that the role at Old Trafford was a “very different situation” for Ashworth, with figures such as Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, and INEOS sharing the leadership.

The former defender added: “From what I’m hearing, that’s creeping out there is that there wasn’t the cohesiveness within the group between everybody, and Dan Ashworth would be on the periphery of that.

“The jobs where he’s been before and he’s been hugely successful, whether it be at Brighton, West Brom, Newcastle, or England and the FA, he’s kind of been a lone ranger. He’s been on his own, he’s been the main guy, dictating and having the final say…

“So that was a very different situation at Man United when you’ve got Wilcox and Barreda there, who head the football operations together.”

Man United may regret INEOS decision to sack Ashworth

Football Insider opinion

Former club chief scout Mick Brown called Manchester United’s decision to sack Dan Ashworth after just five months a “bizarre decision.”

The club recently dismissed Erik ten Hag, a move that could have saved £15 million if they had negotiated compensation in the summer.

Appointing a technical director finally brought Man United in line with modern football structures but they’ve now undone that work.

Ashworth’s career has steadily progressed through roles at West Brom, Brighton, Newcastle, and now United. As a professional, his trajectory resembles a player with a standout career.

His availability and expertise have reportedly caught Arsenal’s attention, according to Sky Sports. He worked with Richard Garlick at West Brom before joining the Football Association in 2012, and the two have “maintained a friendship since.”

The Manchester club risk strengthening a rival by letting the Englishman leave after finally implementing a structure to compete with their Premier League counterparts.

Ruben Amorim’s team must focus as they prepare for a crucial Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzeň tomorrow (12 December).

In other news, Man United staff report more cuts, with morale plummeting under INEOS and Jim Ratcliffe.

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