Dan Ashworth’s decision to force his way out of Newcastle United has embarrassingly backfired.
Rewind to 2022 and Dan Ashworth was hired by Newcastle United to head an exciting long-term project under new, ambitious owners.
Under PIF, Newcastle are striving to be the best in class in all areas, and in Ashworth, the Magpies were confident they had one of the best sporting directors around.
However, Ashworth only stuck around in Tyneside for just over two years before leaving to join Manchester United.
Newcastle pocketed £5m in compensation from Ashworth, despite Manchester United claiming a smaller figure. Just five months into his job at Old Trafford, Ashworth has now left his sporting director role.
Newcastle United's Sporting Director Dan Ashworth poses for photographs at St. James Park on June 07, 2022 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England.
Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images
Dan Ashworth wanted Eddie Howe at Man United
During his time at St James’ Park, Ashworth had a good relationship with Eddie Howe. In contrast, Ashworth’s replacement Paul Mitchell has had a rocky relationship with Howe.
According to The Athletic, Howe was one of four managers Ashworth suggested to Manchester United following the sacking of Erik ten Hag.
Ashworth put forward a list of managerial candidates to Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. It included Howe, Thomas Frank, Marco Silva and Graham Potter.
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Manchester United instead turned towards Ruben Amorim, ignoring Ashworth’s suggestions which ultimately led to him leaving the club.
Newcastle United fans loving Dan Ashworth’s Man United exit
After his controversial exit from St James’ Park, it is fair to say that Ashworth is not very popular among the Newcastle fanbase.
He burned bridges on his way out of the club and even now he is out of a job he would not be welcomed back with open arms.
READ MORE: Dan Ashworth’s Newcastle United vision has now come true, but it’s far too late
Newcastle fans couldn’t contain their laughter at Ashworth’s exit from Manchester United, with supporters pointing out that he likely regrets leaving Newcastle.
As for Howe, the Newcastle manager finds himself under pressure after a poor run of form. If he cannot turn things around at St James’ Park, he too could find himself out of a job.
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