Following his departure from his position as Manchester United sporting director a year ago, it has been reported that Dan Ashworth is currently in negotiations to take on an unexpected new role.
Reports indicated that the 54-year-old individual had been relieved of his duties by minority co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, despite the fact that he had officially left his role by mutual consent in December.
It was reported that one of the primary reasons for Ashworth’s departure was his participation in the decision to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract during the summer of last year and to identify signings for the Dutchman to complete.
A total of £4.1 million was paid by United in compensation and as a pay-off sum in order to acquire Ashworth from Newcastle during the summer. This information was disclosed in the most recent financial statements of the club.
Ashworth has been serving as a consultant for the Warwickshire County Cricket Club ever since he left his previous position.
Sources within the club have informed BBC Sport that he had assumed the role in 2021, and that it continues to be a voluntary and unpaid position.
As of right now, The Telegraph is reporting that Ashworth is currently in discussions regarding a surprising return to the Football Association. Prior to his departure for Brighton in 2018, Ashworth was a significant member of the organisation.
According to the report, he is being considered for a brand-new managerial position at the senior level, which indicates that he is highly regarded at the Football Association.
The ‘St George’s Park 2.0 project’, which is being described as a ‘radical refurbishment’ of England’s existing elite training facility, would be under the supervision of the role.
Ashworth would be responsible for overseeing the senior and junior teams for both men and women, as well as concentrating on the development of British coaches.
“They were just mistakes,” Ratcliffe said in an interview with The Telegraph, referring to the appointment of Ashworth and the decision to keep Ten Hag.
The Erik thing is a little bit of a mitigating factor. Regarding that period of time, there was a great deal of discussion. The Cup final had just been won by him. It was abundantly clear that the fans were of the opinion that we would like to continue working with him, and all of that kind of stuff.
“They were both errors in judgement. Considering that we are discussing our previous industry [with Ineos], I don’t believe there is much more that either of us can mention. It seems that the only thing we can say about Ashworth is that chemistry. Truly, I do not wish to proceed in that direction. This is the way things are, and we are to blame for it.
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