“You have to…” – Manchester United coach reacts to Dan Ashworth’s shock Old Trafford exit

Dan Ashworth departed Manchester United as sporting director on the weekend in what was considered as a shock exit from the club.

Dan Ashworth was brought in as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reshuffle of Manchester United’s leadership, joined from Newcastle United during the summer.

His appointment came after extended negotiations, including a six-month gardening leave period, with United paying around £3 million in compensation to secure his early release from Newcastle.

Despite the considerable effort to recruit him, Ashworth’s tenure at Old Trafford has come to an unexpected end.

Manchester United has released a statement confirming his departure on Sunday morning.

“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 indicate that the decision was initiated by the club, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe playing a key role in Ashworth’s removal.

Marc Skinner addresses Dan Ashworth

The decision was confirmed after United’s mens team latest game, meaning that Ruben Amorim hasn’t yet been questioned on the situation by the media.

However, the women’s side faced up against Liverpool on Sunday afternoon, after the announcement was made earlier that morning.

Manager Marc Skinner was asked about Ashworth’s departure after his team’s impressive 4-0 win against their rivals at Leigh Sports Village.

“My job was to concentrate on how we are on the pitch,” he told reporters. “That’s my focus. I’m not privy to those decisions.”

“I think it’s part of the professional game. You have to take situations and make the best of them. I can’t let that creep into our performances.”

The new regime at Old Trafford have been criticised for their treatment of the women’s team, with minimal focus on them at the moment.

Ratcliffe was asked about the women’s team in an interview with United We Stand magazine and said: “There’s only so much that you can do and our focus has been on the men’s team. If not, you get spread too thinly. We need to sort out the main issue, the men’s team.

“The women’s team is an opportunity. Women’s football is growing really quickly in popularity and size. We need to participate in that. The girls wear a Manchester United badge on their shirt and they’re representing the club.”

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