Meet Dan Ashworth: Ex-Man Utd sporting director who has left Red Devils after just five months following turbulent reign

From player to club director, DAN Ashworth is a true footballing man who has risen through the ranks of the beautiful game.

He most recently served as sporting director of Manchester United, however he resigned from the position after the team’s 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest.

Who is Dan Ashworth?

Dan Ashworth was born in Norfolk, England, on March 6, 1971. He started playing football in the youth academy of Norwich City.

Though he didn’t make it as a professional player at the highest level, he had stints with non-league clubs including Eastbourne Town and St Leonards.

Before going back to England, Ashworth also trained with West Florida Fury in the United States.

Transition to football admin

Ashworth transitioned swiftly into football management after quitting as a player.

He was named Peterborough United’s academy director in 2000.

After that, he relocated to Cambridge United in 2001 to serve as the director of their Center of Excellence.

West Bromwich Albion

Ashworth’s breakthrough came in 2004 while working as a youth team assistant at West Bromwich Albion.

After rising through the ranks, he was appointed sports and technical director of the club in December 2007.

During his tenure at the club, Ashworth established a reputation for his talent scouting and player acquisition.

FA and England’s DNA

Ashworth joined the FA in March 2013 after being named head of elite development in September 2012.

‘England DNA’, a comprehensive plan to develop elite players for the men’s and women’s national teams, was created in large part thanks to him.

Brighton and Hove Albion

Ashworth became the technical director of Brighton & Hove Albion in 2018.

His tenure at the Seagulls was marked by the club’s establishment as one of the Premier League’s best-run teams, known for their shrewd recruitment and player development.

Newcastle United

Ashworth’s success at Brighton caught the attention ofNewcastle United, whoappointed him as Sporting Director in February 2022.

He played a crucial role in Newcastle’s rapid ascent, helping the club secure Champions League qualification in the 2022-23 season.

A statement from the club read: “Newcastle United are delighted to announce that Dan Ashworth will become the club’s sporting director after an agreement was reached with Brighton & Hove Albion to release him from his current contractual obligations with immediate effect.

“The terms of this agreement will remain confidential between the clubs and are subject to Premier League approval.

“Newcastle United will issue further information following the relevant approval process.”

A Brighton statement read: “Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Brighton.

“The terms of this agreement, which is subject to regulatory approval, will remain confidential between the clubs.

“We would like to thank Dan for his services and wish him well for the future.”

Move to Manchester United

In February 2024,Manchester Unitedmade an official approach for Ashworth.

This led to a period of gardening leave imposed by Newcastle, as negotiations between the clubs began.

On July 1, 2024,The Red Devils confirmed Ashworth’s appointmentas their new sporting director, following an agreement with Newcastle.

The two clubs released a joint statement reading: “Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United.

The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle United thanks Dan for his services and wishes him well for the future.”

Ashworth threw himself into the job quickly, playing a major part in the signings ofJoshua Zirkzee, Matthijs De Ligt,Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro and Noussair Mazraoui.

But the season didn’t start well and by November manager Erik Ten Hag was sacked, having left the club languishing in 14th place.

Ruben Amorim was hired to take overafter an impressive four years managing Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.

Amorimhas managed five games so far but has only won one game in the Premier League, drawing with Ipswich and losing to Arsenal and Forest.

Following showdown talks with CEO Omar Berrada after the 3-2 defeat to Forest last night, Ashworth has quit by mutual consent.

Sir Jim Ratcliffeis said to have been pivotal in the call to part ways.

This follows SunSport’s exclusive story from three weeks ago which revealed that United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business.

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