United have released a short statement confirming the reports.
Dan Ashworth has departed Manchester United, leaving his role as sporting director just five months after joining from Newcastle United.
The Athletic broke the news on Sunday morning, reporting that sources indicate United initiated the separation, with co-owner Jim Ratcliffe playing a key role in the decision.
The decision, described as mutual by the club, followed a meeting between Ashworth and chief executive Omar Berrada at Old Trafford on Saturday evening after United’s 3-2 loss against Nottingham Forest.
Man United have since released a short statement about Ashworth’s exit, which reads:
“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.”
Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2024
Ashworth was hailed as an elite appointment when he arrived in July after drawn-out negotiations with Newcastle, but challenges marked his brief tenure.
Ashworth, 53, oversaw summer signings worth over £200 million, including Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui.
He was also involved in significant managerial decisions, such as Erik ten Hag’s dismissal and Ruben Amorim’s appointment.
His exit leaves a gap in the club’s football operations, a structure recently revamped under the Ratcliffe-led INEOS hierarchy.
Ashworth reported to Berrada, while technical director Jason Wilcox reported to him.
Ratcliffe, who previously praised Ashworth as one of the world’s best sporting directors, will now face questions about the appointment.
Ashworth’s move to United followed protracted negotiations with Newcastle, which was settled with a compensation fee of between up to £3 million.
Before joining Newcastle, he held roles at Brighton & Hove Albion, West Bromwich Albion, and the FA, where he was credited with shaping England’s youth football successes.
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