Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has been out of work for five months.
After a battle that saw Manchester United pay Newcastle United a hefty sum to see Dan Ashworth take his services to Old Trafford, under Ineos-influenced ownership, his time at the club proved short-lived.
The 54-year-old left United on December 8, just five months after being hired and had only started as director of football on July 1 2024, having been placed on gardening leave as part of his dragged-out departure from St. James’ Park.
Ashworth never had a chance to inflict his influence on United, however, he played a significant role in giving Erik ten Hag a contract extension after the Red Devils beat Manchester City 2-1 in the FA Cup final.
Ineos eventually regretted that decision, and by Halloween, they had rewarded Ten Hag with a new deal after dismissing the Dutchman from his managerial duties. It was fitting, given the frightening start to the 2024/25 campaign.
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Photo by OLI SCARFF/AFP via Getty Images
Dan Ashworth set for FA return
It was never going to be a long wait for Ashworth to find another job in football.
Ashworth built a strong reputation for himself as director of elite development and later technical director, during his initial six-year spell at the FA before leaving the organisation in 2019 to join Brighton and Hove Albion.
After proving himself again at Newcastle, Ashworth has been approached to return to the FA. An offer he is reportedly ready to accept following his exit from United.
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According to The Athletic, Ashworth’s return to the FA in a wide-ranging strategic role is expected to be confirmed this week.
The report adds that Ashworth had tensions with United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe during his time at Old Trafford.
Sadly, it didn’t go as planned for Ashworth at United, but Ineos were quick to pull the trigger once they realised that rather than let it bubble on and create further issues down the line.
Ashworth has better idea of Manchester United now
After spending five months at United under Ineos, Ashworth takes extra experience and knowledge into his role at the FA, which has yet to be announced.
Ashworth had been dealing with Ineos chiefs during his time at the club and from that he will have contacts to help him fulfil his role with the FA.
The best can also be defined by the environments they put themselves in—outside of human contexts like love & loyalty etc.
Kudos to Michael Edwards, Dan Ashworth & Andrea Berta. Three major players who have recently shown this principle.
— AI (@nonewthing) April 14, 2025
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As someone in a senior FA position, it will help if he has an idea of how United are going to operate in the future, especially when it comes to younger players.