Dan Ashworth is attracting interest from Arsenal just days after being sacked as Manchester United’s sporting director.
The Gunners are in the market for a new sporting director after Edu announced he was leaving the Emirates last month, which meant it didn’t take long for Ashworth to Arsenal links to emerge.
Edu will serve six months of gardening leave with assistant sporting director Jason Ayto stepping into the role while Arsenal find a suitable replacement.
United announced Ashworth’s sacking in a statement on Sunday and it came as a shock just five months after his arrival.
Ashworth’s reputation has consequently taken a hit but he remains a respected figure in the football world following successful spells at the Football Association and Brighton before joining Newcastle United.
Dan Ashworth, Sporting Director of Manchester United is interviewed following the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase Draw at Grimaldi Forum o...
Photo by Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Dan Ashworth could form a reunion with Richard Garlick after 21 years
Ashworth could be offered a return to employment quicker than the 159 days he lasted at United.
According to ESPN, Arsenal have added Ashworth to their shortlist of potential candidates to replace Edu following his sudden exit from United.
Prior to his time at the FA and Brighton, Ashworth worked with Arsenal managing director Richard Garlick at West Bromwich Albion, so there’s already a connection in place for a move.
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Garlick was legal director-secretary at West Brom before becoming sporting and technical director in 2013 following Ashworth’s departure. Now, they could reunite after enjoying a close working relationship 21 years ago.
Arsenal can look at United to see how difficult it can be to find the right sporting director, however, they could be tempted to move for the very same man after his recent dismissal.
The United faithful were sold mouth-watering PR spins about how INEOS would implement a best-in-class strategy with a series of hires, yet Ashworth has been shown the door before he could have made a lasting impact on the club.
Ashworth reputation still in place
Ashworth holds an impressive CV despite leaving United prematurely after disappointing Sir Jim Ratcliffe with his managerial recommendations.
United hired Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s successor, while Ashworth favoured Gareth Southgate.
However, it says a lot about his reputation and body of work at the FA and Brighton that big clubs are still interested in his services.
United have been reckless in their decision-making and it shows they are willing to shoot the bullet if standards aren’t met. It remains to be seen whether United will appoint a new sporting director following Ashworth’s exit.
It’s only a matter of time before we find out if the club’s hierarchy will take a similar approach with underperforming players when the transfer window opens.
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