Just five months after paying millions to cut him free from Newcastle United, the Red Devils parted company with the 53-year-old. The decision came after Man United were stunned 3-2 by Nottingham Forest on home soil.
“Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as sporting director of Manchester United by mutual agreement,” a brief announcement read. “We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the .”
Neville believes supporters deserved more clarity over the call after “headhunting” Ashworth relentlessly earlier this year. Minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe made Ashworth a top target and was embroiled in a public feud with Newcastle regarding his compensation package.
Something like that can’t be mutual,” Neville told NBC Sports. “Dan Ashworth was head-hunted for many, many months. He was paid millions of pounds, so I’m really shocked that this has happened. It’s not a good look at all and it’s going to need explaining.
The statement they’ve put out is really poor,” he added. “What’s really clear here is there is a fracture. Fans are going to be asking the question, what’s gone wrong? They’re going to speculate, it’s going to leave huge voids.
“I think you’re better off just punching us in the face with the truth sometimes. Just tell us, because it’s obvious that something has happened. I think that statement, to be honest with you, is weak.”
Dan Ashworth is a highly respected English football director who’s had a remarkable career in the sport. He’s currently in the news for leaving his role as sporting director at Manchester United after just five months ¹.
Ashworth has had successful stints at several top-tier clubs, including Newcastle United, Brighton, and West Bromwich Albion. He’s also worked with the Football Association (FA) as the director of elite development, where he played a key role in creating the “England DNA” – a comprehensive plan to develop elite English players
Before joining Manchester United, Ashworth was Newcastle United’s sporting director, and his departure from the club was reportedly met with a hefty compensation fee of £2-3 million ¹. His appointment at Manchester United was seen as a major coup, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner, hailing him as “one of the best sporting directors in the world”
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