Dan Ashworth steps down as Manchester United Sporting Director

Manchester United’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has left his role after just five months in the position. Ashworth, who officially began on July 1 after a period of gardening leave from Newcastle, finalized his departure following a meeting held after United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.

The news of Ashworth’s exit was first reported by The Athletic on Sunday. In a statement, the club described the decision as being reached by “mutual agreement,” thanking Ashworth for his contributions during a transitional period. “We wish Dan well for the future,” the statement concluded.

Ashworth, 53, was seen walking through the press conference area at Old Trafford alongside the club’s chief operating officer, Collette Roche, shortly before the meeting that confirmed his departure.

Ashworth’s departure is the latest development in a challenging season for Manchester United. The club dismissed manager Erik ten Hag in October after managing only three wins in their first nine Premier League matches. His exit cost the club £10.4m in severance, while hiring his replacement, Ruben Amorim, required an £11m release clause payment.

Further unrest among fans has been triggered by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s controversial ticketing policies, including scrapping concessions for the unsold 3% of matchday tickets and setting a minimum price of £66. The changes led to protests before United’s recent win over Everton.

Ratcliffe has publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the club’s trajectory, describing United as “mediocre” and cautioning that more “difficult and unpopular decisions” lie ahead.

The club’s latest accounts, up to June 30, 2024, reveal a net loss of £113.2m, adding to cumulative losses of over £370m in the last five years. On the pitch, United’s struggles persist; the loss to Nottingham Forest has left them 13th in the Premier League table, with just five wins from 15 matches.

The departure of Ashworth, alongside these challenges, underscores the turbulence at Old Trafford as the club grapples with rebuilding both on and off the field.