The recent exit of Dan Ashworth from Manchester United highlights a significant moment for the club amidst the leadership of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Announced on Sunday, Ashworth’s departure from his role as sporting director came just five months after he joined the Reds from Newcastle United.
Ratcliffe had hailed him as “one of the top sporting directors in the world,” and United paid £3 million to secure his services.
However, his tenure ended abruptly, coinciding with the dismissal of manager Erik ten Hag.
The club announced Ashworth’s exit as a mutual decision, but sources suggest that it was United that initiated it.
His role encompassed overseeing the football division’s performance, talent scouting, and working closely with technical director Jason Wilcox.
Despite his involvement in United’s £200 million summer spending spree, which brought in high-profile players like Matthijs de Ligt and Manuel Ugarte, the team’s struggles this season led to a reassessment of strategy.
Ashworth’s brief tenure, following a prolonged recruitment process, raises questions about Ratcliffe’s decision-making, especially after investing resources to bring him on board.
His departure underscores Ratcliffe’s ruthless approach to club management but may also signal potential flaws in the decision-making process.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
