- Sporting director Dan Ashworth has left Man Utd after only five months in the job
- Club paid compensation for Newcastle United to recruit him in the first place
- Comes at the same time as major cost-cutting exercises across the board
Manchester United are believed to have paid a substantial amount to secure Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United, only to then part company with the sporting director after just five months.
Ashworth was billed as "10/10" by United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, fitting with the "best in class" mantra pedalled by INEOS. But it has been widely been reported that friction and a different approach to Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada led to a swift downfall.
The former FA senior executive started work as Newcastle's sporting director in early 2022 and United were initially quoted £20m in compensation by the Magpies when the approach from Old Trafford began at the start of 2024.
In contrast, United's original offer was thought to be a fraction of the asking price, at £2m. A report from The Times now suggests the figure settled on was "closer to £5m", with Ashworth eventually starting work after lengthy gardening leave in July.
The news that United spent £5m on recruiting Ashworth, in addition to the £10.4m it cost to dismiss Erik ten Hag mere months after being handed a new contract, and the similar £10m required to poach Ruben Amorim from Sporting CP, is a smack in the face to fans and staff feeling the pinch from revenue-driving initiatives and ruthless cost-cutting.
United recently declared that all remaining unsold tickets for the 2024/25 season would be priced at £66, removing all concessionary rates for children and pensioners. The move sparked vocal protests both outside and inside Old Trafford before the recent clash with Everton.
Meanwhile, around 250 staff have lost their jobs since the summer, with budgets cut and the extra workloads piled on those who remain. The club also canned its annual staff Christmas party, while other perks such as flexible working have been taking away.
Last month, in a statement attached to United's financial results for the first quarter of the season, Berrada noted: "Our cost and headcount reductions remain on track."
