Paul Scholes raises questions about Manchester United’s direction following Ashworth’s departure
Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has surprisingly resigned after just five months in the role, a decision that has sent ripples through the football community. Known for his expertise and extensive experience, Ashworth’s sudden exit has raised questions about the stability and direction of the club during his brief stay at Old Trafford.
Ashworth officially began his tenure on July 1, following a gardening leave from Newcastle United, where he was highly respected as a technical director. However, his departure came unexpectedly after a reportedly tense meeting with United’s CEO, Omar Berrada. This meeting occurred shortly after the team’s disappointing defeat to Nottingham Forest. Sources suggest that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, a part-owner of Manchester United, heavily influenced the decision. Although some insiders believe the club orchestrated the move, United has publicly referred to Ashworth’s exit as a “mutual agreement.”
At 53, Ashworth brought a wealth of knowledge to his position, handling recruitment and football performance oversight. He reported directly to Omar Berrada, who joined from Manchester City, and worked alongside technical director Jason Wilcox. Wilcox, who had collaborated with Ashworth in a revamped leadership structure spearheaded by Ratcliffe, emphasized modernizing Manchester United’s operations.
During his short stint, Ashworth oversaw a busy summer transfer window, with the club investing around £200 million in key signings such as Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui, and Joshua Zirkzee. His responsibilities extended beyond signings; he also played a role in extending manager Erik ten Hag’s contract. Ironically, Ten Hag was dismissed just a few months later, fueling concerns about the club’s strategic coherence.
Ashworth’s recruitment was a significant achievement for Manchester United. Following drawn-out negotiations with Newcastle United, United secured his services for a compensation fee of £2–3 million, far lower than Newcastle’s initial demand of £20 million. His prior successes at Brighton and the Football Association had solidified his reputation as one of the finest sporting directors in the game. Ratcliffe, who was instrumental in bringing Ashworth to Old Trafford, praised his abilities and saw his hiring as crucial to rebuilding the club into a dominant force.
Despite the optimism surrounding his appointment, Ashworth’s tenure ended abruptly, casting doubt on the club’s internal dynamics. Ratcliffe has been increasingly vocal about Manchester United’s shortcomings, recently criticizing the club’s outdated recruitment and data analysis processes. He described these inefficiencies as major barriers to progress and has called for sweeping changes to restore the club to its former glory.
Ashworth’s resignation adds to the uncertainty at Old Trafford, leaving a leadership void at a time when the club is grappling with numerous challenges. These include modernizing infrastructure, improving squad performance, and reclaiming their status among Europe’s elite teams. Whether this setback will push Manchester United to implement meaningful reforms or exacerbate their struggles remains uncertain. For now, Ashworth’s brief tenure is likely to be remembered as a missed opportunity in the club’s ongoing quest for revival.
