Sports
Manchester United Appoints Dan Ashworth as Sporting Director After Agreement with Newcastle
Manchester United has officially announced the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director following a mutual agreement with Newcastle United. The development comes after Ashworth was granted release from his contract with Newcastle, allowing him to transition to his new role at Old Trafford.
The 53-year-old, who was previously put on gardening leave by Newcastle this year, expressed his desire to join Manchester United. The terms of Ashworth’s release remain confidential, but he is set to assume his duties at Old Trafford immediately.
A joint statement by both clubs read, ‘Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.’
Manchester United’s interest in Ashworth heightened after Jim Ratcliffe‘s INEOS acquired a minority stake in the club, taking over football operations. Initially, there were reports of Newcastle seeking a significant compensation fee, which Ratcliffe dismissed as ‘a bit silly.’ However, a compromise has now been reached.
Ashworth, a former technical director at the FA, joins United as part of the club’s revamped backroom staff. Omar Berrada, from Manchester City, will serve as the chief executive, while Jason Wilcox, previously with Southampton, takes on the role of technical director.
During an earlier statement amid ongoing negotiations for Ashworth, Ratcliffe praised him, saying, ‘I think Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world. I’ve no doubt he’s a very, very capable person. And he’s interested in the Manchester United job because it’s probably the biggest sporting director job in the world just now, with the biggest challenge.’
Despite a challenging previous season, Manchester United clinched the FA Cup title by defeating Manchester City in the final. Manager Erik ten Hag, who faced scrutiny during the season, is set to continue for a third season at the club.
