The impacts of Dan Ashworth’s five-month spell coming to a close are yet to be uncovered at Manchester United.
It was a complete shock when Manchester United announced Dan Ashworth’s exit on Monday. The departure left Gary Neville unhappy with the weak way in which the club handled his exit.
One key issue highlighted was the shortlist of managers Ashworth wanted to hire, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe disappointed by the options named.
After his exit, Ashworth has been linked with joining Arsenal, which would see him link up with the Gunners’ managing director 21 years on from previously working together.
Now, United in Focus can reveal Ineos‘ stance on one Ashworth signing could be impacted by the shake-up.
Joshua Zirkzee of Manchester United celebrates scoring his teams second goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United FC and Evert...
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Joshua Zirkzee could be casualty of Dan Ashworth exit
After one summer in charge of United’s transfer business, Ashworth’s time is done as he left with immediate effect.
Of the five signings United made, it has been reported by ESPN that the signing of Joshua Zirkzee was driven by Ashworth’s team based on data analytics.
However, Zirkzee’s slow start to life at United has since resulted in links pointing him back to Italy. Now, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has revealed to United in Focus that while there was nothing to these links, Ashworth’s departure could change this.
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“I don’t see too much business being done in January unless United make sales.
“I don’t think we will see Zirkzee go out although I think there is a way they would entertain that now that Ashworth is gone.”
Jason Wilcox tipped to become the king-maker at Manchester United
Ashworth’s exit has left a gap as the king-maker in Ineos’ footballing structure. United in Focus understands that this is likely to be filled by Jason Wilcox, as opposed to hiring another sporting director.
“I think it will be reassigned internally, I think Jason Wilcox has become the kingmaker in all this after Ashworth’s exit.
“It was quite clear there was a split between Ashworth and Berrada and Wilcox sided with Omar Berrada. Christopher Vivell is there as well so I think they’ll keep it in-house. I don’t think they need another one.
“As things stand there is no massive push to bring a sporting director in.”
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