Dan Ashworth
Dan Ashworth left Man United last week
Manchester United have made a bold call about their vacant sporting director role - and have reportedly decided they won't replace Dan Ashworth.
The Red Devils announced that Ashworth had left Old Trafford on Sunday after just five months. A brief club statement read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement. 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.”
The decision came just five months after United had successfully got a deal for his signature over the line following a lengthy spell of negotiations with former club Newcastle. And it was expected that they would once again be on the hunt for Ashworth’s successor.
But it appears that club chiefs have completely u-turned on the position. As per The Sun, new club owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has already axed the role and will not be hiring a replacement.
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It is further revealed that Sir Dave Brailsford, United chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox are all set to shoulder elements of the role. The decision is certainly a bold call from Ratcliffe given his relentless pursuit of Ashworth - and the great expense to which the Red Devils went to get him on board.
And while United will not be seeking a replacement for the former Newcastle man, he could well find a new opportunity with a Premier League rival. It is reported that Arsenal could emerge as an option for 53-year-old - his close relationship with the Gunners managing director Richard Garlick standing him in good stead.
Garlick is currently leading the search for Arsenal’s new sporting director following the exit of Edu earlier this month. The Brazilian left the club after five years.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a huge call in letting Dan Ashworth leave
Sir Jim Ratcliffe has made a huge call in letting Dan Ashworth leave
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He remains unattached but is expected to accept a role within Greek businessman Evangelos Marinakis’ multi-club model. Speaking in a recent interview, the Nottingham Forest owner said: "Edu was a very good player and also a very good sporting and technical director.
“I have a lot of respect for him. The results we saw over the years at Arsenal were very good and he has done an excellent job at Arsenal. What I can say is that I would like to cooperate with him on a much bigger project, a global project.
“I'm optimistic that in case all this goes ahead, it will be another successful venture for both of us. I'm very optimistic about it, but we need to see how this will be developed and will be finalised, if and when time allows."
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