Manchester United deliver major hint about permanent role for Dan Ashworth replacement

Manchester United have delivered a major hint about a permanent role at Old Trafford for a possible Dan Ashworth replacement.

Dan Ashworth, hired as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s overhaul of Manchester United’s upper management, joined the club from Newcastle United over the summer.

His arrival followed lengthy negotiations, during which he spent six months on gardening leave. United ultimately paid around £3 million in compensation to secure his early release from Newcastle.

Despite the substantial effort invested in his recruitment, Ashworth’s time at Old Trafford has ended abruptly, with the club confirming his exit on Sunday morning.

“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,” a club statement read.

“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.”

Vivell could grab permanent role at United

According to MailSport, there is not currently any plans to find an external replacement for the departing Ashworth.

But instead, it is believed that technical director Jason Wilcox and interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell will take on more responsibility in the short-term.

It was also added that those two would also be contenders to take on the role of sporting director permanently.

Vivell joined the club in the summer on a short-term basis but after impressing those at Old Trafford his stay was extended until February 2025.

However, various reports had claimed that a potential permanent role could come for the former Chelsea executive and that now looks even more likely.

Whether he moves into a sporting director role or remains as the director of recruitment, the fact that he is going to be taking on more responsibility after Ashworth’s axe hints that he will be offered a permanent position.

Vivell reportedly had a key role in the signing of exciting teenager Sekou Kone, who was signed from Mali club Guidars FC for around £1 million.

He will be hoping to have even more influence on United’s transfer strategy in the coming years, whether that is as a direct replacement for Ashworth or not.

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