Dan Ashworth: Sporting director leaves Manchester United after five months in role following move from Newcastle

React to this story

Just five months after a lengthy tug-of-war between Newcastle United and Manchester United over the services of Dan Ashworth, the 53-year-old sporting director has left the 20-time English champions after just five months in his post. His departure was decided after United's 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, according to a report in the Athletic.

'It will be a long journey' - Amorim says Man Utd 'need to improve in all aspects'

Video credit: SNTV

Dan Ashworth has departed Manchester United after just five months in his role as sporting director, the club have confirmed.

Ashworth, 53, left Newcastle United in the summer after a lengthy period of gardening leave at the North East club, before joining United in July in what was seen as a major coup.

There were drawn-out negotiations between the clubs, with Newcastle demanding up to £20 million for his services, before a widely reported fee of around £3m was agreed.

Premier League

How to watch Forest v Arsenal on TNT Sports and discovery+

10/09/2025 at 16:42

However, it is understood that the move has not worked out as planned, with Ashworth and United deciding to part ways.

In a statement, the club said: "We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future."

According to reports, Ashworth’s exit was decided following United’s 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, in a meeting held by the club’s chief executive, Omar Berrada.

Under new owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and overseen by Sir Dave Brailsford, Ashworth led all things relating to football performance, recruitment and operations, alongside technical director Jason Wilcox.

‘You have to be calm’ - Amorim on managing expectations at Man Utd

Video credit: SNTV

There were hopes that Ashworth, alongside Wilcox in a new-look hierarchy, would play a key role in reshaping the club after a tumultuous few years both on and off the pitch.

Ashworth is also understood to have played a crucial part in keeping former manager Erik ten Hag at the club during the summer, before the Dutchman was consequently sacked three months later despite being handed a new contract extension.

During Ashworth’s only summer in post, United spent around £200m on the likes of Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.

Ashworth is understood to have played a key role in signing those players and was quoted in each announcement.

Following their summer spending, United have picked up their lowest number of points after 15 league games since the 1986/87 season.

The defeat to Forest on Saturday was the club’s sixth of the season in the league, which has left them languishing in 13th place.

It was also their second successive loss under new boss Ruben Amorim, following their reverse at Arsenal during midweek.

United have also lost to West Ham United and Brighton this term, in addition to heavy defeats to Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool.

- - -

Stream the 2024/25 Premier League live on TNT Sports and discovery+

Transfers

Newcastle braced for formal offer from Liverpool for Isak - Paper Round

27/07/2025 at 22:58

Transfers

Wantaway quartet 'will be Man Utd players' next season if price tags aren't met - Amorim

25/07/2025 at 23:39