Meet Dan Ashworth: Ex-Man Utd sporting director who has left Red Devils after just five months following turbulent reign
DAN Ashworth is a true footballing man who has progressed through the beautiful game's ranks all the way from player to club director.
He was most recently Manchester United's sporting director but has now left his role at the club following their 3-2 home defeat to Nottingham Forest.
Who is Dan Ashworth?
Born on March 6, 1971, in Norfolk, England, Dan Ashworth began his footballing journey in Norwich City's youth academy.
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.
Ashworth also spent time training in the US with West Florida Fury before returning to England.
Transition to football admin
After retiring as a player, Ashworth quickly moved into football administration.
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In 2000, he was appointed as the academy director at Peterborough United.
He then moved to Cambridge United to work as the director of their Centre of Excellence in 2001.
West Bromwich Albion
Ashworth's big break came at West Bromwich Albion, where he started out as a youth team assistant in 2004.
He progressed through the ranks, eventually becoming the club's sporting and technical director in December 2007.
Ashworth gained a reputation for his scouting abilities and player recruitment during his time at the club.
FA and England's DNA
In September 2012, Ashworth was appointed as the FA's director of elite development — a role he took up in March 2013.
He was instrumental in creating the 'England DNA' — a comprehensive plan aimed at developing elite players for both the men's and women's national teams.
Brighton and Hove Albion
In 2018, Ashworth joined Brighton and Hove Albion as technical director.
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 of Newcastle United, who appointed 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 United made 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 appointment as 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 of Joshua 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 over after an impressive four years managing Sporting Lisbon in Portugal.
Amorim has 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.
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe is 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.