Dan Ashworth joins new club in first role since Man Utd admitted £4.1m blunder

Dan Ashworth has taken on his first role following the end of his short-lived spell at Manchester United and is lending his expertise to another sporting world, albeit on a freelance basis

Dan Ashworth has taken on a consultancy role at Warwickshire County Cricket Club in his first role after leaving Manchester United in December.

United confirmed his shock exit after just five months in position as the club’s sporting director. Ashworth appeared to be a key figure as Sir Jim Ratcliffe sparked an overhaul of the Red Devils’ sporting hierarchy and prised the director away from previous club Newcastle United.

The 53-year-old’s position was shortlived however, as United contrived to spend more than £4million on ensuring his arrival and facilitating his exit. The club have not hired a direct replacement since Ashworth left Old Trafford.

The former FA director of elite development, now turns his hand to another sport. Though, purely on a consultancy basis as he is set to advise Warwickshire on a range of high performance matters, per the Times.

The freelancer is set to help the country side after not being considered as their new performance director, with a much lower salary available in comparison to Ashworth’s previous roles. Ex-Warwickshire captain Jim Troughton is reported to be on the shortlist to become performance director.

Ashworth has history with Warwickshire. His relationship with the county started in 2021 when he joined their cricket audit committee. That honorary role included oversight of Warwickshire’s ‘elite teams and high-performance structure’.

CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox are viewed as a key link between the players and club chiefs following Ashworth’s exit. Christopher Vivell has also been working as director of recruitment on an interim basis and could see his appointment made permanent by INEOS.

Though Ashworth’s exit came mutual agreement, United are reported to have realised they did not do their due diligence on his appointment. While Ratcliffe wanted ‘British expertise’, Ashworth’s perspective was deemed to be ‘very UK-focused’.

The club were also said to have been unimpressed with his list of replacements for Erik ten Hag as his candidates were considered too conservative. Ashworth was also suggested to be ‘heavy on negatives and light on solutions’.

United released a 41-word statement when announcing Ashworth’s exit at the end of last year. It read: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement.

“We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future.”

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