December 10th 2024.
After just five months in charge as sporting director, Dan Ashworth has left Manchester United in a decision made by the club following his sudden departure from Old Trafford. The departure, which was presented as a mutual agreement, was reportedly instigated by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was unimpressed with Ashworth's work since joining from Newcastle United. One of his suggestions was to keep Erik ten Hag as manager, but he also failed to provide a convincing argument for the potential replacement Gareth Southgate, causing concern for INEOS, who was eager to quickly fill the role.
Meanwhile, CEO Omar Berrada has taken a more hands-on approach as head of the club, leading to the decision to ditch the sporting director role altogether. Berrada has developed a close relationship with technical director Jason Wilcox, and the two have been working collaboratively to improve the club. In fact, they even hired former Chelsea technical director Christopher Vivell in the summer to assist with recruitment. This move has proven to be successful, as the club is now able to focus on both recruitment and performance, with Sir Dave Brailsford specializing in the latter.
United had to pay Newcastle around £2.5m to release Ashworth from his gardening leave, which would have lasted until the summer of 2025 had he stayed at St James' Park. However, rumors are now circulating that Ashworth may be headed to Arsenal after his departure from Old Trafford. This news comes as Mikel Arteta faces a fresh injury crisis, with seven Arsenal players missing training. It remains to be seen if Ashworth will end up at Arsenal, but for now, Manchester United is forging ahead with their new approach under Berrada and Wilcox's guidance.
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