Manchester United are poised to officially appoint Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director, ending a months-long saga over his move from Newcastle United. The 53-year-old has been on gardening leave since February after informing Newcastle of his desire to join Manchester United’s restructured leadership group under Ineos ownership.
Ashworth, who previously held technical director roles at the Football Association and Brighton, had been set to take Newcastle to arbitration in an effort to resolve the impasse over his departure. However, an out-of-court settlement has now been reached between the clubs, allowing Ashworth to assume his new position at Old Trafford with immediate effect.
In a February interview with the BBC’s Sports Editor Dan Roan, Manchester United’s co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed his belief that it “doesn’t make sense for Dan Ashworth to be sat around doing nothing for 18 months.” Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group has taken charge of football operations at Old Trafford as part of the changes.
Ashworth joins a revamped leadership team at Manchester United, which includes the recent appointment of Jason Wilcox as technical director from Southampton. Additionally, senior former Manchester City executive Omar Berrada is set to join as chief executive.
These structural changes come on the heels of a disappointing 2022-23 season for Manchester United, which ended with the club winning the FA Cup. Following a review by the club’s board, it was confirmed earlier this month that Erik ten Hag will remain as manager.
Ashworth’s appointment as sporting director represents a significant move in Manchester United’s efforts to reshape their leadership and technical staff as they aim to return to the upper echelons of English and European football.
🚨🔴 Manchester United are set to sign all documents for Dan Ashworth to be announced as new sporting director.
Compensation package agreed with Newcastle as @David_Ornstein reports, it’s all done.
AdvertisementAshworth will start immediately, working closely with Omar Berrada Jason Wilcox. pic.twitter.com/di4w8Cv404
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) July 1, 2024
