Dan Ashworth
Dan Ashworth left Man United last week
Manchester United privately confirmed to staff that Jason Wilcox will step into Dan Ashworth's shoes following his bombshell exit.
The former Newcastle chief left Old Trafford at the weekend after just five months with the club. A statement from United 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.”
Following Ashworth’s exit, attention immediately turned to his potential successor. But reports claimed that new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe would not be replacing Ashworth directly - with the role of director of football being sidelined for now.
It was also revealed that Sir Dave Brailsford, United chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox would all share responsibilities of the role going forwards. It now appears that the latter will shoulder the vast majority of the demands of the job.
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As per Mail Online, United staff were sent an email on Wednesday revealing that Wilcox will temporarily fill Ashworth’s responsibilities. He is due to be the prime point of contact for anything relating to the scouting department and recruitment matters.
The former Southampton man - who moved to Old Trafford in April - has already been hard at work. He has been embroiled in talks with Paraguayan club Cerro Porteno over a deal for 17-year-old defender Diego Leon.
Wilcox joined United in April this year after the Red Devils agreed a deal with his former club Southampton. At the time, it was revealed that he would "work with all technical areas of the football department to achieve the highest standards of performance."
Jason Wilcox
Jason Wilcox will temporarily replace Dan Ashworth
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Former boss Erik ten Hag previously pointed to the importance of his relationship with Wilcox. Speaking after the appointment, the Dutchman said: "Very close. We have to form a partnership, [it's] very important. We are a little bit behind in the process so we have to catch up and it will speed up the process."
Meanwhile, United boss Ruben Amorim has shared his thoughts on Ashworth’s exit. He said: “Since the first day I felt great support from the ownership, from Omar (Berrada) and Jason (Wilcox), and I was part of them. I felt real support from Dan also. This is football and sometimes these things happen."
Ashworth may not be out of work for very long. Arsenal are reportedly interested in appointing him as they eye a replacement for Edu, who announced his own shock departure earlier this season.
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