It’s never dull at Manchester United and the sudden departure of Dan Ashworth underlined the unpredictable nature of life at Old Trafford.
Dan Ashworth has left Manchester United, five after after he was appointed by the club. It comes amid a poor start to the season with several of Ashworth’s decisions in focus.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe is claimed to be unhappy with United’s summer transfer window, leading to the unexpected parting of ways.
Let’s break down the winners and losers from the latest behind-the-scenes move at Old Trafford.
Technical director Jason Wilcox and Sporting director Dan Ashworth of Manchester United FC during the Premier League match between Brighton & H...
Photo by Eddie Keogh/Getty Images
Winners
Christopher Vivell/Jason Wilcox – Two figures at United are now expected to take on more senior roles following Ashworth’s departure.
Jason Wilcox arrived at United before Ashworth last summer, while Christopher Vivell joined the club during the window to play a role in recruitment.
Vivell’s role was seen as temporary, but this could now be extended. The trio of Ashworth, Wilcox and Vivell always seemed like a lot, and the sporting director’s exit streamlines the operation.
It’s possible United add another new face – but in the meantime, the onus is on Wilcox and Vivell to show they might not need to.
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Ruben Amorim – Dan Ashworth was not convinced by the 3-4-3 formation being implemented by new head coach Ruben Amorim, according to a report from The Guardian.
United are committed to Ruben Amorim, and above him, the Portuguese boss needs somebody who believes in him, not one who feels his way of playing is flawed.
The Mail claim Ashworth preferred Gareth Southgate, and was overruled. With fractures behind the scenes related to his stance being snubbed, Ineos acted.
Amorim needs a united board room behind him, and despite the disruption caused by Ashworth’s exit, the hope is that the Ineos leadership group will become tighter, and more decisive.
Newcastle fans – There will be one set of supporters laughing into their Newcastle Brown Ale right now, fans of Dan Ashworth’s former club.
Manchester United began pursuing Dan Ashworth at the start of 2024, and his decision to quit Newcastle was viewed very bitterly at St. James Park.
A drawn out exit process threatened to keep Ashworth out of work until 2025. Sir Jim Ratcliffe wrangled to get a deal done, and now he is out of work already.
Newcastle fans were miffed by Ashworth’s decision to quit and join a bigger club – but they have had the last laugh on this one.
Manchester United's co-owner Jim Ratcliffe (centre left) reacts whilst watching on during the English Premier League football match between Manches...
Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images
Losers
Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos – There is no other way to look at this, Dan Ashworth’s exit after five months is a horrible look for Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Ineos.
The early impression Ineos were presenting at United was one of a slick, talented operation, bringing in the ‘best in class‘ across football.
The shine has come off lately. Ever since the indecisive process that led to Erik ten Hag being retained as boss in the summer, to the furore over ticket price hikes, United fans are less than impressed with Ineos.
Almost a full year in, the honeymoon is over, and the Ashworth saga will go down as Ineos’ first major mis-step, a waste of time, and a waste of funds.
Manchester United fans – United fans hoped for a new dawn under Ineos. Instead we have seen more shambles, just led by different faces, and this is hugely frustrating.
The club’s league position speaks for itself. 13th in the Premier League is a woeful output after a net spend in the summer of £101.8 million.
Supporter faith and confidence in Ineos has been dented by the quick hire and fire of Manchester United’s first ever sporting director.
There is no need to prolong a process that was not working, but suddenly we are back to the feeling where ‘anything can happen’ at United, when we hoped for a more sensible, professional, and considered approach of consistent success.
Dan Ashworth – History will not be kind to Dan Ashworth’s time at Manchester United. He arrived with a glowing reputation, and now it has been hurt by his time at United.
Already he is being painted as ‘the man who wanted Southgate instead of Amorim’, which could look horrific if the new United head coach becomes a runaway success.
Fair or not, every poor United signing this past summer, will be pinned on him by supporters or the media.
Wherever Ashworth goes next, it won’t compare to United either, and he now has to rebuild his reputation, to prevent being seen as the man who failed at Old Trafford.
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