Manchester United could face ‘fierce competition’ from Arsenal in their potential hunt for a replacement for ex-sporting director Dan Ashworth.
Dan Ashworth, brought in as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul of Manchester United’s leadership, joined from Newcastle United earlier this summer.
His move followed protracted negotiations, during which he spent six months on gardening leave. United ultimately paid around £3 million in compensation to secure his early release.
Despite the substantial effort to recruit him, Ashworth’s time at Old Trafford has ended unexpectedly.
“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,” a club statement read.
“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.”
Reports suggest the decision was driven by the club, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe playing a key role in Ashworth’s dismissal.
United target PSG’s Luis Campos
According to a report from INewsSport, the Reds are set to battle with Arsenal for Paris Saint-Germain’s football advisor Luis Campos.
While the report says that it is not certain that United move for a replacement for Ashworth, if they do, Campos is ‘top of their wish list’.
However, Arsenal are also looking for a sporting director after the recent surprise departure of Edu Gaspar to Nottingham Forest and are claimed to provide ‘fierce competition’ for the Portuguese director.
Campos’ approach seems like it wouls suit the way Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS want the club to operate. He has come into PSG and changed their transfer strategy to look at signing up and coming stars rather than the ready-made approach that didn’t work at the French club beforehand.
However, the aforementioned report did add that there is no rush for United to push for a replacement, with technical director Jason Wilcox and interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell set to oversee upcoming transfer moves.
Campos’ deal at PSG runs out at the end of the season. If he does not end up staying with the French giants, by then United will likely know whether they want to move for a direct replacement for Ashworth.
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