Manchester United is on the verge of finalizing the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director. The 53-year-old has been on gardening leave since February after expressing his desire to join the revamped setup at Old Trafford under Ineos. Ashworth, who previously served as the technical director for the Football Association and Brighton, was initially planning to take Newcastle United to arbitration to resolve the impasse over his move. However, talks between the clubs led to an out-of-court settlement being reached, allowing Ashworth to start his new role immediately.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the co-owner of Manchester United, spoke about the situation in an interview with the BBC’s Sports Editor Dan Roan earlier this year. He emphasized that it didn’t make sense for Ashworth to be sitting around doing nothing for 18 months. This comment highlights the club’s eagerness to have Ashworth on board and highlights his importance to their future plans.
Ashworth’s appointment comes as part of a wider restructuring of Manchester United’s leadership team. Jason Wilcox recently joined as the technical director after his stint at Southampton, while Omar Berrada, a former senior executive at Manchester City, is expected to take up the role of chief executive. These changes reflect the ambitions of Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos Group, who became minority owners of the club earlier this year.
The decision to bring in Ashworth and other experienced executives is a clear indication of Manchester United’s desire to regain their status as one of English football’s powerhouses. The club had a disappointing season last year, although they did manage to win the FA Cup. Following a review by the board, it was confirmed that Erik ten Hag would continue as the manager. With the addition of Ashworth and the rest of the new leadership team, Manchester United will hope to build a strong foundation for future success.
Ashworth’s appointment is significant not only because of his experience and expertise but also because of his longstanding relationship with Sir Dave Brailsford, the head of sport at Ineos. This connection dates back to Ashworth’s time at the Football Association and further strengthens the ties between Ineos and Manchester United. It also suggests that there is a clear vision and strategy in place for the club’s future development.
Overall, the confirmation of Dan Ashworth as Manchester United’s sporting director is a positive step for the club. His appointment, along with the other changes in the leadership team, signals a renewed focus on success and a desire to compete at the highest level. With Ashworth’s wealth of knowledge and his strong relationships within the football industry, he will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of Manchester United.