UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase Draw
Dan Ashworth has left Manchester United.(Photo by Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
Manchester United technical director Jason Wilcox will assume Dan Ashworth’s duties following his shock departure from the club.
United announced on Sunday that Ashworth had left the club by ‘mutual’ agreement, just five months after joining from Newcastle United.
The Red Devils spent nearly as long pursuing Ashworth as they did with the sporting director in place at Old Trafford.
The news came as a shock to the players, who had been impressed with the former England chief’s conduct at Old Trafford.
But Ashworth paid the price for advising the club to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract and Sir Jim Ratcliffe was said to be unimpressed by Ashworth’s suggestion of replacing the Dutchman with Gareth Southgate.
Another suggestion for Ashworth’s departure was that there was simply ‘too many cooks’ and that the club wanted to streamline their decision-making processes.
FBL-EUR-C3-MAN UTD-BODOE/GLIMT
Ashworth spent five months at Old Trafford (Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images)
The Times therefore claim that Ashworth’s duties will be taken on by technical director Wilcox.
Wilcox joined from Southampton, where he was director of football.
He’s therefore accustomed to the decisions required of a sporting director.
Ratcliffe hasn’t ruled out hiring a replacement for Ashworth but the club must ensure he is a better fit within their new structure.
MORE: Ange Postecoglou reveals ‘hugely disappointing’ injury to Tottenham star after defeat to Chelsea
For more stories like this, check our sport page.
Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook,Twitter and Instagram.