Manchester United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth (C) takes his seat for the UEFA Europa League, League Phase football match between Manchester United and Bodoe/Glimt at Old Trafford stadium in Manchester, north west England, on November 28, 2024
Dan Ashworth's time at Old Trafford ended abruptly
Dan Ashworth was reportedly escorted out of Old Trafford after Manchester United's loss to Nottingham Forest.
Following the 3-2 home defeat, Ashworth was spotted being led past journalists by United Chief Operating Officer Collette Roche and out of the building. The 53-year-old was later ousted from his position as sporting director after barely five months in the post.
His departure comes as a shock considering United spent the best part of six months persuading him to leave Newcastle United. While a blunt statement from the club claimed the decision to part with the ex-FA chief was "mutual", other sources have said the club were the key instigators.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Ashworth "avoided eye contact and did not break his stride" while a security official walked behind him. Old Trafford has a 'director's entrance', which Ashworth could have walked through to exit the stadium. However, he either chose not to or was not allowed.
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There appeared to be little love lost in United's emotionless statement confirming Ashworth's exit: "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."
Within the statement, there were no words offered by Sir Jim Ratcliffe or United chief executive officer Omar Berrada, who is understood to have been the person to break the news to Ashworth at Old Trafford.
Ratcliffe's silence is also damning, considering the 72-year-old was so vocally complimentary to Ashworth during the club's pursuit of him.
Ratcliffe said in February: "Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world. I have no doubt he is a very capable person. He is interested in Manchester United because it's the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world. It would be different at City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it's a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition."
Dan Ashworth has left Manchester United ( Image: ZENPIX LTD)
Ashworth's role was to oversee overall footballing performance, recruitment and other operations. He is yet to comment on his exit from the club.
Ashworth reported to Berrada and worked closely with technical director Jason Wilcox. He was a regular spokesperson for United and would often be quoted by the club on transfer announcements and, significantly, the decision to extend Erik ten Hag's contract at the club.
The ex-Newcastle director also played a huge role in the summer transfer spending, which saw more than £200million splashed on Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.
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