Revealed: Ruben Amorim’s role in Dan Ashworth’s departure from Manchester United

Head coach Ruben Amorim played a key role in Dan Ashworth’s departure from Manchester United as sporting director.

Dan Ashworth, brought in as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s restructuring of Manchester United’s upper management, joined from Newcastle United over the summer.

His appointment followed drawn-out negotiations, during which he spent six months on gardening leave before United paid around £3 million in compensation to secure his early release from the Magpies.

Despite the substantial effort to bring him to the club, Ashworth’s stint at Old Trafford has come to an abrupt conclusion.

United have released a statement revealing that is leaving his role within the club.

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

Reports suggest the decision was instigated by the club, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe playing a key role in Ashworth’s exit.

Amorim’s role in Ashworth departure

According to talkSPORT, the English sporting director had felt sidelined from the key decisions at Old Trafford from day one.

It was also explained that there had been a clash of personalities between himself and CEO Omar Berrada, both who were brought in during the summer.

But the report concluded that the ‘tipping point’ was the decision to appoint Ruben Amorim as Erik ten Hag’s replacement.

Ashworth favoured a British coach, such as Gareth Southgate, but United instead brought in the Portuguese head coach.

Previous reports have also suggested that Berrada led the chase for Amorim’s services, which makes more sense now that Ashworth was not in favour of the move.

Many United fans were frightened about the idea of Southgate taking charge of the club. The former England manager’s last club job was relegating Middlesbrough in 2009.

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