Dan Ashworth was sacked by Manchester United after a major fall-out with the club hierarchy.
The sporting director, who had only been in the role of sporting director for five months, supposedly left United by mutual consent, according to a statement released by the club. But it’s been revealed the decision to part ways with the 53-year-old came after mounting tension behind the scenes – principally over the appointment of new boss Ruben Amorim.
The Portuguese gaffer had been recruited to replace Erik Ten Hag, who was sacked in October, but it is understood Ashworth favored alternative candidates – such as the likes of Brentford boss Thomas Frank and Gareth Southgate. The appointment of Amorim was led by United chief executive Omar Berrada, whose strong bond with the 39-year-old head coach is understood to have led to Ashworth being isolated and ultimately to his exit.
United sources have conceded that, despite pursuing Ashworth for months and paying Newcastle £3million in compensation for him, he was ultimately the wrong fit for the role.
As well as tensions with Berrada, Ashworth is understood to have clashed with other members of the United football executive team, with the decision taken by the hierarchy to cut their losses on him.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe is understood to have played a central role in the decision to part ways with Ashworth, who was informed of the move after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest. An ashen-faced Ashworth walked through the press conference suite at Old Trafford after the defeat, accompanied by United chief operating officer Colette Roche, on his way to the meeting with Berrada, at which he was told of his fate.
Announcing Ashworth’s departure, a statement from United said: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement. We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”
United are in no rush to appoint a successor to Ashworth, with Berrada very hands-on at the club’s Carrington training complex and technical director Jason Wilcox able to step up and fill the void in the short-term.