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Manchester United Sporting Director Dan Ashworth Departs After Just Five Months
Manchester United’s turbulent season has taken another twist as sporting director Dan Ashworth has parted ways with the club after just five months, according to The Athletic.
Ashworth’s exit follows United’s disappointing 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest, where defensive errors undermined their efforts. However, attention has shifted from the pitch to the boardroom, with Ashworth’s abrupt departure becoming the main talking point.
Ashworth, who joined United in the summer after leaving Newcastle United, had been a pivotal figure in restructuring the club’s recruitment strategy under co-owners INEOS. His tenure was marked by significant summer signings, including Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee, as he aimed to overhaul the squad.
His exit reportedly stems from a meeting with United’s chief executive Omar Berrada, where both parties mutually agreed to part ways, although United is said to have initiated the decision. This development adds to the off-field challenges faced by the club in the 2024/25 season.
United’s leadership has already seen significant changes this campaign, including the dismissal of Erik ten Hag in October and the subsequent appointment of Ruben Amorim as head coach. With Ashworth’s departure, a critical gap in the club’s football operations and recruitment structure is now vacant, raising questions about United’s strategic direction moving forward.
The Red Devils, amidst their inconsistent on-field performances and ongoing boardroom instability, face mounting pressure to stabilize as they navigate the rest of the season.