“Laughing at the club…” Insider reveals reaction to Manchester United sacking Dan Ashworth

Sporting director Dan Ashworth has departed Manchester United just five months after joining from Premier League rivals Newcastle United.

Dah Ashworth, who was brought in as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe‘s overhaul of Manchester United’s upper management, arrived from Newcastle United during the summer.

His appointment followed a protracted negotiation, during which he served six months of gardening leave, with United ultimately paying approximately £3 million in compensation to secure his early release from the Magpies.

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Despite the significant effort invested in his recruitment, Ashworth’s time at Old Trafford has come to an abrupt end. According to The Athletic, his departure follows United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday evening.

It is said that the decision was initiated by the club and that co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe has had a pivotal role in Ashworth leaving Old Trafford.

The wider reaction

While United fans have been left shocked at the sudden decision, particularly with respect to the lengths the club went to in order to secure Ashworth as their sporting director, the football world have also reacted.

Manchester Evening News journalist Steven Railston, who has repeatedly shown his privy to inside information, has explained that other clubs will be “laughing” at United following Ratcliffe’s first year as the shot-caller.

“Sir Jim Ratcliffe promised to end the chaos at United, but rivals are laughing at the club again,” Railston commented following the news.

“To wait four months for Dan Ashworth, only for him to leave after five months in the role, is incredible. United are a mess, and I feel sorry for Rúben Amorim, who has a mammoth task.”

United’s full statement

Following the news breaking earlier on Sunday morning, United released a 41-word statement to confirm the news.

“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,” they said.

“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.”

However, the Daily Mail have also added that sources within the club state that it was a “very difficult decision” to part ways with Ashworth.

It’s also added that the club have been putting together a new structure at some pace and are learning as they go.

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