Manchester United will continue their abysmal Premier League journey tonight against Chelsea.
The Red Devils are destined to finish in the bottom half of the Premier League table after a turbulent campaign, having lost 17 games.
Ruben Amorim’s side can salvage the season by winning the Europa League, as that would secure Champions League qualification for next season.
Ineos have thus far made several changes behind the scenes at United to steer the club in the right direction.
For example, Dan Ashworth only lasted five months at the club, despite an ordeal having to bring him to Old Trafford from Newcastle.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe was confident that Ashworth was the man to take United forward, but he decided months later that he would be moved on.
Photo by Valerio Pennicino - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Valerio Pennicino – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Gary Neville shares view on why Dan Ashworth left Manchester United
Something went wrong for Ashworth at United because it was quickly decided that he would leave the club.
It was reported that there were tensions due to the club’s leadership, with Ashworth crossing paths – in a similar role – to chief executive Omar Berrada.
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Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville suggested that Ashworth’s preference for a British manager like Gareth Southgate may have caused conflict with United’s hierarchy.
Interestingly, United were linked with Southgate when Erik ten Hag’s job was under threat. There were strong suggestions that the former England manager had strong links within the Ineos brand, with the likes of Sir Dave Brailsford.
Ian Wright stated that Southgate would have faced heavy criticism if he were managing United in their current state, but that applies to anyone in the position as United head coach as we’ve seen in the past.
Neville added: “It’s maybe why Dan [Ashworth] left. It might be why Dan left.”
Who replaced Dan Ashworth at Manchester United?
Although United have not replaced Ashworth with someone new, it is believed Berrada’s responsibilities have stepped up at the club.
There is also a heavy influence from Christopher Vivell felt at United after he was hired as a recruitment expert in July 2024, having previously held roles in the Red Bull group, and at Chelsea.
Ashworth will continue his career with the FA after returning to the association this week.
It’s a shame things never worked out for Ashworth at Old Trafford.