Revealed: Mikel Arteta’s stance on ex-Man Utd director Dan Ashworth amid Arsenal links

Mikel Arteta’s stance on ex-Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has been revealed amid links to an Arsenal move.

Manchester United confirmed earlier this month that sporting director Dan Ashworth would be departing the club after spending less than six months in the role.

It was a similar amount of time that the Reds were spent waiting for Ashworth on gardening leave from his position at Newcastle United.

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Ashworth’s exit provided a major surprise to fans, who were led to believe that the former Brighton and FA executive would be key to the INEOS regime’s long-term plans.

However, reports have suggested that Sir Jim Ratcliffe was left far from impressed by Ashworth’s work during his short stint.

The co-owner was particularly unhappy with the 53-year-old when he was tasked to recommend replacements for Erik ten Hag.

His suggestions included the likes of Gareth Southgate and Eddie Howe. United instead opted to bring in Portuguese coach Ruben Amorim and chief executive Omar Berrada led those negotiations.

Mikel Arteta’s stance on Dan Ashworth

Ashworth’s time at United will be considered a failure but he still has a good reputation from his time at St James’ Park and the Amex Stadium.

That has led to rumours of him joining Arsenal to replace the departed Edu as sporting director. Various reports have linked Ashworth to join the Gunners.

According to a new report from MailOnline, Mikel Arteta is not completely convinced with Ashworth and he would prefer to work with a different sporting director.

It was claimed that the Spanish manager’s ‘preference’ is for Real Sociedad’s Roberto Olabe to join Arsenal as Edu’s replacement.

Arteta and Olabe have worked together beforehand when the director signed the current Arsenal manager as a player to Real Sociedad in 2004 during his time as a manager.

United’s plans after Ashworth exit

Following the aftermath of Ashworth’s exit, many have wondered how United will adjust the make-up of their hierarchy and whether new faces will be introduced.

MailSport have added that United have informed club staff that Jason Wilcox has stepped into Ashworth’s role for the January transfer window.

The technical director will be the point of contact for the scouting department on any recruitment matters over the mid-season window.

Reports have also stated that interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell will have a more prominent role following Ashworth’s exit.

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