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Dan Ashworth has left Manchester United (Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Manchester United have made a decision on replacing Dan Ashworth following his shock departure from Old Trafford.
Ashworth left the club on Sunday, after just five months in charge as sporting director.
The decision, presented as a mutual agreement, was instigated by minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
He was said to be unimpressed with Ashworth’s work since joining from Newcastle United.
Ashworth advised the club to keep Erik ten Hag and then suggested Gareth Southgate as his replacement, while failing to provide a convincing argument for the former England boss.
Given INEOS’ desire to put people in place quickly, it was assumed that they had lined up a quick-fire replacement for Ashworth.
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Berrada has taken a hands-on approach as CEO (Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
However, the Sun claim United have decided to ditch the sporting director role.
That’s because CEO Omar Berrada has taken on a far more hands-on approach as head of the club, while he’s struck up a close relationship with technical director Jason Wilcox.
The pair have worked collaboratively and Christopher Vivell, Chelsea’s former technical director, was hired in the summer to work on the club’s recruitment.
He’s expected to remain in position to continue to assist with recruitment, while Sir Dave Brailsford specialises in performance.
United paid Newcastle around £2.5m to unlock Ashworth from his gardening leave, which would have run until the summer of 2025 had he remained at St James’ Park.
However, he’s been linked with a move to Arsenal following his departure from Old Trafford.
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