Manchester United minority owners INEOS have implemented several changes to the club’s football system since taking over in February 2024. The Red Devils’ recruitment policy in the past decade has frequently come under scrutiny, with multiple questionable decisions negatively impacting their finances.
INEOS identified that the club’s transfer activity needed a revamp and one of their first decisions was to poach Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth. A standoff followed, with the Magpies finally agreeing a compensation fee for the departure of the former Norwich City academy graduate, who was placed on gardening leave.
Ashworth officially joined United in 1 July 2024, taking charge as the club’s new sporting director. Under his leadership, the Red Devils enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, signing Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte.
Ashworth also played a role in the appointment of former head coach Ruben Amorim in November as Erik ten Hag’s replacement. However, the Englishman was surprisingly relieved of his duties by mutual consent before the end of the year.
Ashworth subsequently took up a role as FA’s chief football officer, but now appears that he is all set for a return to club football.