Sir Jim Ratcliffe has sent shockwaves through the Manchester United fanbase by parting ways with Dan Ashworth.
Dan Ashworth’s appointment as sporting director was seen as a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s rebuild at Manchester United.
The British billionaire has been keen to build an elite structure around the club, starting with CEO Omar Berrada.
However, that structure seems set to change once again after United confirmed Ashworth’s exit in a statement released on Sunday morning.
United duo Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell are set for enhanced roles as they assume the responsibilities held by Ashworth at Carrington.
Ineos Sport CEO Jean-Claude Blanc, Ineos Sports Director Dave Brailsford and Ineos CEO and owner of OGC Nice Jim Ratcliffe celebrate Nice victory o...
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke to two Ineos chiefs before Dan Ashworth exit
It was quickly reported that Ratcliffe was “pivotal” in Ashworth’s exit despite previously praising him.
Back in February, Ratcliffe hailed Ashworth as “one of the top sporting directors in the world” but he has now decided he does not fit into United’s future plans.
United in Focus spoke to transfer expert Graeme Bailey about Ashworth’s exit and he revealed that Ratcliffe held talks with two Ineos chiefs before making the decision.
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“I am told that this was solely Ratcliffe’s decision, but he did it after speaking to Sir Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, his two most trusted confidants when it comes the sporting side of the business.
“It was clear that pressure was building against Ashworth internally and once Ratcliffe makes up his mind, he gets what he wants.”
Tension between Dan Ashworth and Omar Berrada
From the outside, everything seemed rosy in United’s boardroom, but that is clearly not the case.
United’s farewell message to Ashworth was blunt, and Bailey has now confirmed that there was tension between Ashworth and Berrada behind the scenes.
“There are issues behind the scenes that have materialised,” Bailey exclusively told United in Focus.
READ MORE :Three decisions which might have cost Dan Ashworth his job at Manchester United
“Ratcliffe was not happy with aspects of Ten Hag’s departure and how Ashworth was perceived in the situation. Ratcliffe did not think his new footballing department was aligned and ultimately that was put down to Ashworth.
“There were also issues with Omar Berrada. There was tension between Berrada and Ashworth, that is clear. Berrada was pivotal in Amorim’s appointment and made that clear to Ratcliffe.”
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