Latest Manchester United news and rumours as former sporting director Dan Ashworth is in discussions over a return to the FA
Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth
Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth(Image: Photo by Serena Taylor/Newcastle United via Getty Images)
Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is in discussions over a shock return to the Football Association, according to reports this week.
The 54-year-old was formally appointed by the Red Devils in July last year having been on gardening leave at Newcastle United since February. Prior to that, he held roles at the FA and Premier League side Brighton before he moved to St James' Park in February 2022.
However, Ashworth's time at Old Trafford was short-lived as he was sacked by the club after just five months in the role. The decision was taken in December following United's dismal 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Now, The Telegraph claims Ashworth is set to return to football as he is in talks with the FA over what has been described as a 'major' job. It is said he would oversee the 'St George’s Park 2.0 project', which includes a 'radical refurbishment' of the facility in Burton upon Trent, the home of all 23 England teams.
Ashworth's previous role with the FA saw him initially head up elite development, before he went on to run the entire football operation. During that period between 2012 and 2018, various England youth teams enjoyed success, while Sir Gareth Southgate's emergence was also seen as a major triumph.
The article claims his new role would include overseeing the men's and women's senior and junior sides, while he would also be responsible for coach development. Following Thomas Tuchel's appointment at the end of last year, the head coaches of both the men's and women's senior sides are not English.
Since leaving United in December, Ashworth has been linked with a number of roles in and out of football, including the sporting director job at Arsenal, which has since been filled by Andrea Berta. He was also tipped to reunite with PIF in a sensational move to Saudi Arabia, and he has reportedly been working with Warwickshire County Cricket Club in an advisory role.
United, on the other hand, are yet to see their form improve as they sit 13th in the Premier League table with 29 games played. Ruben Amorim's side have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Europa League, which means their silverware hopes are still alive, but they face a tricky tie against French side Lyon next month.
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