Manchester United announced the unexpected departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth on Sunday, just five months after he assumed the role at Old Trafford.
Ashworth’s exit reportedly followed Saturday’s disappointing 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest.
His appointment was initially hailed as a significant move amidst sweeping changes to the Red Devils’ sporting structure under Jim Ratcliffe, who acquired a minority stake in the club in December 2023.
The 53-year-old formally joined United on July 1, after a five-month gardening leave from Newcastle, as the club chased his services.
However, tensions reportedly emerged between Ashworth and Ratcliffe over the dismal on-field results in a summer transfer window that saw nearly £200 million spent.
None of the new signings—Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee—have had a significant influence.
United currently sit 13th in the Premier League table and dismissed Erik ten Hag in October, just four months after extending his contract.
New manager Ruben Amorim has struggled to turn things around, achieving only one victory in his first four league matches.
“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as sporting director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,” United said in a statement.
“We would like to thank Dan for his efforts during a transitional period for the club and wish him all the best for the future.”
Ashworth was previously credited with transforming the structure of the Football Association, contributing to the England national team’s resurgence.
He later played a key role in Brighton’s development into an established Premier League side before joining Newcastle in 2022.
United reportedly paid £3 million in compensation to get Ashworth to Old Trafford following lengthy discussions.
He was part of a restructured leadership team that included Jason Wilcox as technical director and Omar Berrada as CEO.
Ashworth’s resignation is another setback in Ratcliffe’s efforts to revive a club that has struggled for success over the last decade.
The British billionaire, founder of petrochemicals giant INEOS, recently described United as “mediocre” in a fanzine interview, emphasising the need for “difficult and unpopular decisions.”
Ratcliffe has also faced backlash from fans over his decision to increase ticket prices to £66 per match, with no concessions for children or pensioners.
