Manchester United has announced the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth after just five months with the club. The 53-year-old joined the Red Devils in early July after spending five months on gardening leave from Newcastle United. However, following United’s recent 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest, which left them in 13th place in the Premier League, the decision was made for Ashworth to leave the club.
In a statement released on Sunday, United described Ashworth’s departure as a “mutual agreement” and thanked him for his work during a transitional period for the club. Ashworth, who was present at Old Trafford for the game against Forest, was seen walking to a meeting through the press conference room postgame. The former Brighton and Hove Albion technical director had to settle a financial agreement with Newcastle United before he could officially take up his role at United.
Ashworth was a key part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s restructuring of United’s executive team, alongside CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox. Together, they oversaw a busy summer transfer window that saw the arrival of players like Matthijs de Ligt, Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, and Noussair Mazraoui for a total of over $229.3 million. However, the team’s poor performance led to the dismissal of head coach Erik ten Hag, who was replaced by Ruben Amorim.
United currently sits in 13th place in the Premier League, their lowest position after 15 games since 1986. Amorim’s first task will be a trip to Czechia to face Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League before the highly anticipated Manchester Derby against rivals City next Sunday. Both teams are struggling in the league, making the upcoming clash even more crucial for both sides.
The departure of Dan Ashworth marks a significant change for Manchester United as they look to turn their season around under new management. The club will be hoping that the restructuring of their executive team and the arrival of new players will lead to improved performances on the pitch in the coming months. The world is facing unprecedented challenges as we grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. With millions of lives lost and economies in turmoil, it is clear that we are living in a time of great uncertainty and fear. However, amid all the chaos and fear, there is one thing that has been a beacon of hope and resilience: the human spirit.
Throughout history, humans have faced countless challenges and adversities, from wars to natural disasters to pandemics. And time and time again, we have shown our incredible capacity for resilience and adaptability. The COVID-19 pandemic is no different.
In the face of this deadly virus, we have seen ordinary people step up in extraordinary ways. Healthcare workers have worked tirelessly on the frontlines, risking their own lives to save others. Essential workers have kept our societies running, ensuring that we have access to food, healthcare, and other essential services. And individuals from all walks of life have come together to support one another, whether through acts of kindness, donations, or simply following public health guidelines to keep each other safe.
But resilience is not just about how we respond to a crisis in the moment. It is also about how we adapt and grow in the face of adversity. And the COVID-19 pandemic has forced us to do just that. We have had to rethink the way we work, socialize, and live our lives. We have had to find new ways to stay connected, stay healthy, and stay hopeful.
And through it all, we have shown incredible strength and determination. We have found new ways to support each other, new ways to stay positive, and new ways to keep moving forward. We have shown that even in the darkest of times, the human spirit is capable of incredible things.
As we look towards a future that is still uncertain, it is important to remember the resilience and strength that we have shown during this pandemic. It is a reminder that no matter what challenges we face, we have the power to overcome them. And as we continue to navigate this difficult time, let us hold onto that resilience and strength, knowing that we will emerge from this crisis stronger and more united than ever before.
