Manchester United have reportedly identified Andrea Berta as a potential replacement for Dan Ashworth after he was dismissed from his role as sporting director.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth has departed Manchester United just five months after his high-profile move from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.
Ashworth was recruited in the summer as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s ambitious plans to reshape United’s leadership structure.
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His move from Newcastle followed a lengthy process, including six months of gardening leave, with United paying around £3 million in compensation to secure his early release.
Despite the effort and expense invested in his appointment, Ashworth’s stint at Old Trafford has come to an unexpected end. His exit follows United’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.
Sources indicate that while CEO Omar Berrada handled the discussions leading to Ashworth’s dismissal, the decision was heavily influenced by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who had been instrumental in bringing the 53-year-old to the club just months ago.
A potential replacement
According to Gianluca Di Marzio, United have now identified Atletico Madrid sporting director Andrea Berta as a potential replacement for Dan Ashworth.
The Italian is set to leave his role as the La Liga club at the end of this season after 11 years, initially arriving as a technical director in 2013.
He previously worked first at Parma and then at Genoa. With Atleti, he contributed to the win of two La Liga titles, a Spanish Super Cup, a Europa League and a UEFA Super Cup.
It is said that he is one of the profiles that United are said to be “evaluating,” with a certain possibility that he may arrive at Old Trafford in 2025.
A humiliating decision
The decision to part ways with Ashworth has come as a shock to the football world, with many in the club also bemused at the sudden change.
One senior figure said BBC Sport had been “totally professional in everything, but ultimately the fit hasn’t worked. Rather than muddle along, we are taking the difficult decision on both sides and acting quickly”.
Further, a second source told the BBC that it is a “humiliating” decision for INEOS. At the same time, another responded to the news of Ashworth’s exit by stating: “Too many cooks.”
United’s official 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.”
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