Dan Ashworth Lands New Job After Sudden Departure From Manchester United

‎Dan Ashworth has secured his first position in football since departing from Manchester United in December.

‎The 54-year-old officially took on the role of sporting director at Old Trafford on July 1 of the previous year, following five months on gardening leave at Newcastle.

‎However, Ashworth left his role at United after just five months, with the club’s accounts revealing that hiring and firing him cost more than £4m.

‎Ashworth has returned to the Football Association, where he previously worked from 2012 to 2018.

‎He has been appointed as the FA’s first Chief Football Officer.

‎In this role, he will have “strategic oversight” of the England men’s and women’s teams and will oversee the redevelopment of St George’s Park.

‎Ashworth has been tasked with building long-term plans in line with the FA’s ambitions, “from winning England teams to developing more homegrown coaches.”

‎”Dan is a hugely influential and respected figure in the game, who has a long-standing commitment to England Football,” FA CEO Mark Bullingham said.

‎”We are very happy to welcome him back in this new role.”

‎In a broad interview in March, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe acknowledged that signing Ashworth to the club was a mistake, but he declined to give further details about his departure, simply citing “chemistry.”

‎“It was an error on our part,” Ratcliffe said.

‎“All I will say is chemistry, really. I don’t really want to go into the details. I think we are where we are. We have moved on. A chemistry issue.”

‎He added, “We are not perfect, and we are on a journey, and there have been a couple of errors along the way, but I think in the main all the things we are doing are the right things for the club.

‎“I agree the Erik ten Hag and Dan Ashworth decisions were errors. I think there were some mitigating circumstances, but ultimately they were errors. I accept that, and I apologize for that.”