Manchester United have said a surprise goodbye to Dan Ashworth and it’s unclear whether he will be replaced in the Old Trafford hierarchy.
Ineos completely rebuilt Manchester United’s football structure over the summer with some key arrivals secured.
Omar Berrada and Jason Wilcox were landed whilst Christopher Vivell arrived on a temporary basis – a deal which has now been extended.
Then there was Dan Ashworth, who was headhunted to become the club’s new sporting director, luring him away from Newcastle United.
Ashworth was viewed as a huge coup for United but less than six months since arriving, Ashworth has already moved on.
United confirmed Ashworth’s departure on Sunday, claiming that he had left by mutual consent.
Crystal Palace sporting director Dougie Freedman during the Premier League International Cup Final between Crystal Palace FC U21 and Jong PSV U21 a...
Photo by Crystal Pix/MB Media/Getty Images
Manchester United could replace Dan Ashworth
Reports have since emerged suggesting that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was unhappy with Ashworth over the managers he recommended for the United job.
Gary Neville has slammed United’s ‘weak’ statement confirming Ashworth’s replacement and fans are left questioning the Ineos project.
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Whilst Everton are already eyeing Ashworth, United are left to consider whether or not to make another hire to replace him.
The Daily Mail have now linked Crystal Palace’s Dougie Freedman with the job, suggesting that United may look towards the Scot.
United are thought to have held a ‘strong interest’ in Freedman earlier this year and may yet return for him after Ashworth’s exit.
Freedman has masterminded some brilliant deals for Palace, signing the likes of Marc Guehi, Adam Wharton, Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze in recent years.
The Scot – formerly manager of Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest – is certainly more of a talent spotter than Ashworth and that may be what Ratcliffe is seeking.
Sir Alex Ferguson a fan of Dougie Freedman
This doesn’t appear to be a concrete move by any stretch but more connecting the dots given United’s interest in Freedman earlier in 2024.
One factor with Freedman is that Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to be a big fan.
Reports in November 2023 suggested that Ferguson is an admirer of Freedman and the pair were even neighbours in Cheshire in years gone by.
United were expected to make an approach and Freedman was even spotted alongside Ferguson back in June.
If United do rekindle that interest in Freedman, you can be sure that Ferguson will be right on board.
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