Real Reason Behind Dan Ashworth’s Manchester United Exit

 

Dan Ashworth has departed his role as Manchester United’s sporting director after just five months, and reports suggest that Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager may have played a significant role in his exit.

 

Manchester United paid a £3 million compensation fee to pry Ashworth away from Newcastle United this past summer. During his short stint, Ashworth was instrumental in the club’s summer transfer business, playing a key role in securing signings like Matthijs De Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee, all for a combined fee of around £200 million.

 

However, David Ornstein from The Athletic reported that Ashworth’s departure was finalized after a meeting with CEO Omar Berrada following United’s disappointing 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest. According to the report, co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe was pivotal in the decision, with sources describing a tense situation regarding United’s summer transfer strategy. The official line from the club is that Ashworth and the board mutually agreed to part ways.

 

Interestingly, Ornstein highlighted that Ashworth’s name was absent from the announcement of Ruben Amorim’s appointment as manager. Ashworth had been quoted in the announcements for Erik ten Hag’s contract extension and every major summer signing, suggesting he may not have supported Amorim’s hiring.

 

Ratcliffe’s Role in Ashworth’s Departure

 

Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who has been increasingly hands-on with club decisions, reportedly disagreed with Ashworth’s approach to building the squad. Despite Ashworth’s efforts to strengthen the team, tensions over his methods seem to have been a critical factor in his dismissal.

 

Ashworth was expected to play a crucial role in reshaping Manchester United’s future. However, his exit raises questions about internal disagreements and the direction of the club under Ratcliffe’s leadership.