In a situation that very few Arsenal or Manchester United fans anticipated a few months ago, both clubs are now searching for a new sporting director.
Edu Gaspar decided to walk away from Arsenal at the beginning of November, whereas Dan Ashworth’s exit from Man United is being presented as a ‘mutual’ decision.
On his part, Edu was seemingly tempted by Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club project, a chance to work with clubs across the globe.
Some are still baffled by Edu’s decision, arguing that being in such a prominent position at Arsenal would be their own preference.
However, like Ashworth, Edu decided that there was sufficient reason to leave, with both also thought to be enduring a slight power-struggle in their respective roles.
Could Dan Ashworth actually replace Edu Gaspar at Arsenal?
That being said, upon hearing that Ashworth was leaving Old Trafford, rumours of the 53-year-old being a potential fit for Arsenal began almost immediately.
Given his work at Newcastle United and Brighton & Hove Albion, Ashworth is regarded as one of the best in the game, someone who would be fit to replace Edu in the eyes of many.
(EXCLUSIVE COVERAGE) Head of Women's Football Matt Johnson speaks to Sporting Director Dan Ashworth of Manchester United during a training session ...
Photo by Charlotte Tattersall – MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images
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To that end, The Athletic have now shared an insight into that possibility, claiming that Ashworth will not be short of offers.
In their report providing more details around Ashworth’s exit, it’s said that ‘several people’ are ‘privately’ pointing out that Arsenal are searching for a new sporting director right now.
Importantly, Arsenal’s managing director is Richard Garlick, a close colleague of Ashworth’s when the duo worked at West Bromwich Albion together.
However, the information also confirmed that there were ‘no indications of anything substantive’ for now.
Who did Man United sign with Dan Ashworth in charge?
During his short five-month spell at United, Ashworth saw five new arrivals at Old Trafford, an expenditure that was thought to go beyond £200m.
With Erik ten Hag at the helm, Ashworth delivered the signings of Noussair Mazraoui, Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte and Joshua Zirkzee.
In all scenarios it seems a bit too soon to judge those deals – United were poor under Ten Hag this season and have barely got going under Ruben Amorim.
READ MORE: What Dan Ashworth was seen doing immediately after Man United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest
Otherwise, during his time at West Brom, Brighton and Newcastle, Ashworth’s highlight signings include Romelu Lukaku, Moises Caicedo and Karou Mitoma.
Ashworth managed to sign Lukaku on loan for West Brom, an extraordinary deal considering what he’s since gone on to achieve in his career.
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