Man United Hires Ashworth from Newcastle as Sporting Director

Manchester United Football Club announced the appointment of Darren Ashworth as its new sporting director, effective immediately. Ashworth joins the club from Newcastle United, where he held the same position.

Manchester United announced the appointment of Dan Ashworth as their new sporting director on Monday, completing a series of recent executive hires aimed at revitalizing the club under the ownership of Jim Ratcliffe.

Ashworth joins our team after a lengthy negotiation period with Newcastle and will commence his duties effective immediately, United announced.

The organization has recently appointed Omar Berrada, formerly of Manchester City, as its Chief Executive Officer, and Jason Wilcox as its Technical Director.

“Newcastle United and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle United,” the clubs said in a joint statement. “The terms of this agreement remain confidential between the clubs.”

Ratcliffe assumed control of United’s failing soccer operations in February when he secured an initial 25% stake in the storied club, which is majority-owned by Americans the Glazer family.

He has declared his intention to lead the club back to the top of European soccer after onfield decline since iconic manager Alex Ferguson retired in 2013. United hasn’t won the English league since then.

Mr. Ratcliffe, the proprietor of the petrochemical behemoth INEOS and a prominent figure among the affluent individuals of Britain, has swiftly initiated a comprehensive transformation of the club since his substantial investment, which is anticipated to eventually reach 27.7%.

Dave Brailsford and Jean-Claude Blanc, key figures from Ratcliffe’s INEOS Sport, have joined United’s soccer board.

There have been several recent departures from the company, including the former CEO, Richard Arnold, who resigned in November, and the football director, John Murtough, who departed in April.

Erik ten Hag, the club's manager, has remained with the organization following his successful acquisition of the FA Cup last season, marking his second trophy in two years. Currently, negotiations are underway to extend his contractual obligations with the club.

July 01, 2024