Dan Ashworth takes on first new role since Man Utd exit | OneFootball

Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has taken on his first role since a sudden Old Trafford departure in December, seeing him leave football altogether.

Ashworth was heavily pursued by Sir Jim Ratcliffe at the start of 2024 to be part of United's new-look sporting hierarchy to usher in a fresh era, having made a stellar reputation for himself working with West Bromwich Albion, England, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United.

The former FA executive was placed on Newcastle gardening leave while United thrashed out an agreement for his appointment, eventually starting work in July. But it proved to be short-lived, with Ashworth seemingly not the right fit for the role that was expected, and he was sent packing after only five months. Overall, the failed episode cost United £4.1m, including his pay-off.

Ashworth was linked with a swift return to football, with Arsenal having lost influential sporting director Edu, and former West Brom colleague Richard Garlick in place as managing director.

Instead, the 53-year-old is now trying his hand at cricket. The Times report that Ashworth will start a voluntary adviser role at Warwickshire County Cricket Club, with whom he has already had a relationship since 2021. Ashworth's name was not in the hat for a current performance director vacancy, due to the salary on offer not being commensurate with his previous jobs in football.

Ashworth pocketing substantial compensation for his Manchester United dismissal perhaps takes the pressure of chasing a salaried job, at least in the short-term, allowing him to offer his services for free to pursue what might be considered more passion projects.

Ashworth doesn't hail from the Warwickshire area, born and raised in Norfolk, but he was with West Brom for more than eight years during a significant period of his life and seemingly laid down roots in the West Midlands.