Dan Ashworth has reportedly vacated his position as Manchester United’s sporting director, just five months after taking on the role.
Following a lengthy period of gardening leave with previous club Newcastle, Ashworth finally began work at United at the start of July ahead of the 2024/25 season.
But according to The Athletic, the transition ‘has not been smooth and his exit has been decided upon’.
The report claims minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe – who oversees United’s sporting operations – has been ‘pivotal’ to the call and the decision was instigated by the club.
However, United bosses insist the agreement to terminate Ashworth’s contract was ultimately mutual.
Ashworth reported into chief executive officer Omar Berrada and had been responsible for football performance, recruitment and operations.
The 53-year-old played an instrumental role in much of United’s summer 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.
The bombshell news comes just five games into Ruben Amorim’s reign as United’s head coach. Ashworth had been a key voice in the dismissal of the Portuguese’s predecessor Erik ten Hag.
The club are yet to make an official statement over the departure of Ashworth, who had previously held roles with Newcastle, Brighton, West Brom and the FA.
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 following a 3-2 defeat at home to Nottingham Forest this weekend.
It’s a busy few days ahead for Amorim’s men, who travel to Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League on Thursday evening before facing Manchester City at the Eithad three days later.
‘It was a tough game, we started the two halves really bad,’ Amorim told reporters after United’s loss to Forest.
‘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.’
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
MORE: ‘You can’t defend him’ – Jamie Redknapp blasts Manchester United star after Nottingham Forest defeat
MORE: Fulham vs Arsenal: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries
MORE: Tottenham vs Chelsea: Confirmed team news, predicted lineup and injuries
