Dan Ashworth has been sacked as Manchester United’s sporting director after just five months in the role following a major boardroom clash.
The 53-year-old’s departure was confirmed by the club today, with a statement claiming he left “by mutual agreement”.
However, reports reveal Ashworth’s exit came after significant tensions with the club hierarchy, primarily over the appointment of new manager Ruben Amorim to replace Erik ten Hag.
According to reports, Ashworth favoured alternative candidates for the managerial position, including Brentford boss Thomas Frank.
Dan Ashworth has left United by mutual consent after five months
PA
The appointment of Amorim was instead driven by United chief executive Omar Berrada, who shares a strong relationship with the 39-year-old head coach.
United sources have now conceded that despite pursuing Ashworth for months and paying £3million in compensation to secure him from Newcastle, he was ultimately the wrong fit for the role.
Berrada’s strong bond with Amorim ultimately led to Ashworth becoming isolated within the club’s hierarchy.
Beyond the managerial appointment dispute, Ashworth is understood to have clashed with other members of the United football executive team.
These mounting tensions prompted the club’s leadership to cut their losses on the sporting director.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, United’s co-owner, is reported to have played a central role in the decision to part ways with Ashworth.
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Ashworth’s final moments at Old Trafford came after United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
A grim-faced Ashworth was seen walking through the press conference suite, accompanied by United’s chief operating officer Colette Roche.
He was headed to a meeting with Berrada where he would learn of his fate.
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Omar Berrada and Dan Ashworth clashed in the United boardroom
Reuters
The club later released a brief statement, saying: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.
“We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club.”
The dismissal comes just days after Ratcliffe warned of the need for “difficult and unpopular decisions” at United.
Dan Ashworth did not want Ruben Amorim in charge of United
Reuters
“Manchester United has become mediocre,” he told the United We Stand fanzine.
“It is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions.”
The club is reportedly in no rush to appoint a successor, with Berrada heavily involved at Carrington and technical director Jason Wilcox able to fill the void in the short-term.
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