- Dan Ashworth has left his role as Manchester United’s sporting director after just five months following the team’s 3-2 loss to Nottingham Forest
- Ashworth’s tenure was marked by limited involvement in key decisions, with CEO Omar Berrada leading major operations, including Ruben Amorim's appointment
- The club is equally grappling with financial losses exceeding £370 million over five years, fan protests, and a turbulent season under new leadership
Manchester United's sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has parted ways with the club after just five months in the role, marking another challenging period in the Red Devils’ season. Ashworth, who officially began his tenure on July 1 following a leave period from Newcastle United, finalised his departure after Saturday’s disappointing 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United confirmed his exit in a statement, citing “mutual agreement” as the reason. The club expressed gratitude for Ashworth’s contributions during what they described as a “transitional period” and wished him success in his future endeavours. Sources revealed that Ashworth’s departure was confirmed in a post-match meeting attended by chief operating officer Collette Roche.
Ashworth’s time at United coincided with a season filled with challenges. The club endured a disastrous start to their Premier League campaign, winning just three of their opening nine matches under Erik ten Hag.
The Dutchman was sacked in October, with a reported payout of £10.4 million to him and his coaching staff. His successor, Ruben Amorim, was appointed after a further £11 million release clause payment to Sporting Lisbon, a process led by CEO Omar Berrada rather than Ashworth.
Insiders hinted at Ashworth’s limited involvement in key decisions, describing him as more passive compared to other high-profile INEOS hires.
It was Berrada who spearheaded negotiations with Amorim, pitched the club’s vision, and welcomed the Portuguese coach to Carrington. Critics have argued that Ashworth struggled to fully grasp the scale of Manchester United’s operations, particularly in areas like scouting, while simultaneously managing a managerial transition and overseeing infrastructure redevelopment.
Adding to the chaos, the club has faced growing financial pressure. United recently reported a net loss of £113.2 million for the year ending June 30, 2024, with total losses exceeding £370 million over the past five years.
Fans have voiced frustrations with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, particularly over his decision to eliminate concessions for unsold tickets and implement a minimum price of £66, sparking protests ahead of last weekend’s win over Everton.
As United languish in 13th place with just five wins from 15 games, Ratcliffe warned that further “difficult and unpopular decisions” lie ahead, casting more doubt over the stability of a club once synonymous with success.
Rashford labours in vain as Amorim’s men struggle in manager’s first game
Previously, TheRadar reported that Ruben Amorim’s much-anticipated tenure as Manchester United manager began with frustration as his side settled for a 1-1 draw against newly-promoted Ipswich Town at Portman Road.
Marcus Rashford opened the scoring brilliantly within the first 90 seconds, but despite a good performance, Amorim’s men failed to score another goal, leaving them languishing in 12th place in the Premier League table.
