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Sir Jim Ratcliffe 'axes' new role at Manchester United after Dan Ashworth successors 'decided'

isaac johnson
·2-min read
Sir Dave Brailsford is said to have played a role in the sacking of Dan Ashworth
-Credit: (Image: Robin Jones/Getty Images)


Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly decided to axe the role of sporting director at Manchester United altogether following the sacking of Dan Ashworth on Saturday.

Ashworth had been the club’s first-ever sporting director but lasted just five months in the role before being relieved of his duties. The 53-year-old was told that his contract would be terminated after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford.

United forked out £3million to land Ashworth from Newcastle United, who had placed him on gardening leave over the summer. He will be due dismissal compensation, just like Erik ten Hag.

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The Dutch coach is thought to be receiving around £17m having had his contract extended ahead of the new season, while the club also paid out around £8m to prise new head coach Ruben Amorim out of his Sporting CP deal. Ashworth’s pay-off package almost certainly will not be so high.

In a statement confirming the news, United said Ashworth’s exit was mutually agreed but noises coming out around the club suggest otherwise. The Daily Mail says Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford sanctioned the sacking, in league with co-owner Joel Glazer.

Meanwhile, the Sun claims that Ratcliffe is to totally ditch the role of sporting director and will share responsibilities out between Brailsford, CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox. It adds that Ashworth is a potential target for Arsenal in their search to replace departed chief Edu.

The sacking of Ashworth follows the decision to hike matchday ticket prices to £66 and remove concessions for the rest of the season, having cut 250 staff jobs earlier this year. Sir Alex Ferguson has also been told his role as club ambassador will cease at the end of the campaign.