Dan Ashworth’s tenure as Manchester United’s sporting director has come to an abrupt end after just five months in the role. The decision to part ways was reached following a meeting between Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada at Old Trafford after United’s match against Nottingham Forest.

The move comes as a surprise given Ashworth’s prominent role in restructuring the club and his reputation as one of football’s most respected sporting directors. Appointed in July 2024 after a lengthy negotiation process with Newcastle United, his sudden departure signals major changes under United’s new ownership led by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

While United’s official statement describes the exit as a “mutual agreement,” multiple sources indicate the club instigated the separation. The statement read:

“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as sporting director of Manchester United by mutual agreement. 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.”

This swift departure highlights potential disconnects in the club’s revamped leadership structure. Ashworth’s role placed him in charge of performance, recruitment, and operations, working alongside Jason Wilcox, the technical director, and reporting to Berrada. However, Ratcliffe’s influence, along with Sir Dave Brailsford’s oversight, appears to have been a key factor in the decision.

Ashworth’s appointment followed a highly publicised and drawn-out negotiation with Newcastle United, which began in February 2024. United eventually secured his services for a compensation fee of £2-3 million. During his brief tenure, Ashworth oversaw a summer transfer window involving high-profile signings such as Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, and Leny Yoro, with a total outlay of approximately £200 million.

Despite this, his time at United was far from smooth. Ashworth played a role in Erik ten Hag’s dismissal in October, though he distanced himself publicly from the decision. His influence in the appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach was also overshadowed by Berrada’s driving force in the recruitment process.

This development raises significant questions about the club’s strategic direction and Ratcliffe’s leadership. Ashworth’s departure marks an embarrassing misstep for the ownership, especially given the effort and cost involved in bringing him to Manchester.

“This is a huge move that sends shockwaves through United,” commented one insider. “To invest so much in securing Dan Ashworth and then part ways within five months suggests serious issues with how decisions are being made at the top.”

Ratcliffe’s readiness to act decisively reflects his intolerance for perceived underperformance. However, the hasty exit risks undermining the stability needed to execute his ambitious plans for United’s revival.

Timeline of Events: Ashworth at United

• February 2024: Ashworth expresses interest in joining United, prompting a standoff with Newcastle over compensation.

• July 2024: Ashworth officially begins as sporting director following months of negotiation.

• August 2024: Oversees a high-spending transfer window, bringing in key players while sanctioning significant outgoings.

• October 2024: Plays a part in Erik ten Hag’s dismissal as United languish in 14th place in the Premier League.

• November 2024: Ruben Amorim is appointed head coach, with Ashworth initially seen as central to the decision-making process.

• December 2024: Ashworth departs the club after a short tenure, leaving United to reevaluate their sporting structure.

Ashworth’s departure leaves a major gap in the club’s footballing hierarchy. His role as sporting director was pivotal in aligning recruitment, operations, and performance under the new leadership structure. The focus will now turn to interim solutions, with figures such as Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell expected to take on greater responsibility.

For United, the challenge lies in maintaining momentum during a period of transition. After a turbulent start to the season that included managerial upheaval and inconsistent performances, stability is crucial.

The sudden shift in personnel also draws attention to the dynamics within United’s leadership:

• Sir Jim Ratcliffe, Co-owner: The key decision-maker, overseeing all major calls, including Ashworth’s departure and cost-cutting measures.

• Omar Berrada, Chief Executive: A pivotal figure in both football and commercial operations, with significant involvement in recruitment and managerial appointments.

• Sir Dave Brailsford, Director of Sport: Instrumental in shaping the sporting structure and working closely with Ratcliffe to implement changes.

• Jason Wilcox, Technical Director: Expected to play a larger role in Ashworth’s absence, overseeing training and recruitment efforts.

This departure underlines the growing pains of United’s new ownership. While Ratcliffe’s decisive approach signals ambition, it also raises concerns about his judgment in assembling the right team to lead United forward. For Ashworth, the decision represents a jarring end to a highly anticipated tenure.

Ultimately, United must ensure this latest disruption does not derail their broader objectives, particularly as they seek to rebuild both on and off the pitch.