Who is Dan Ashworth? Man Utd's sporting director whose recruitment led Newcastle back into Europe

Jacque Talbot

• Updated: 1 Jul 2024 11:57 BST
• 4 min read

Finally, Dan Ashworth is Manchester United's new sporting director.

It was a long, protracted affair but now the 53-year-old is set to begin his new position at Old Trafford with immediate effect.

Initially, Newcastle demanded £20 million in compensation for the former FA Technical Director but the Red Devils aimed to pay significantly less. But a compromise was reached and on July 1 he was brought in.

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Ashworth, who has been on gardening leave since February, will now transition is the latest strategic move by Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the new Ineos as they look to overhaul the club's recruitment.

FootballTransfers reported earlier this yearthat Ashworth would be open to a move to Old Trafford if he was allowed a majority of say in the club’s recruitment. This is now the case as Erik ten Hag takes a back-seat on matters, in accordance with his new contract.

What experience does Dan Ashworth have?

Ashworth enjoyed a short playing career, which included stints at Norwich City during his youth, followed by a period with non-league clubs Eastbourne Town, St. Leonards, and Wisbech Town. He retired from playing in 2000 but remained actively involved in football.

In 2000, he assumed the role of academy director at Peterborough United, followed by a stint as the centre of excellence director at Cambridge United from 2001 to 2004. He then transitioned to West Bromwich Albion, initially supporting youth team manager Aidy Boothroyd and eventually taking over as the youth team manager after his departure in 2004. His responsibilities expanded, leading to his promotion to the club's sporting and technical director in 2007.

In 2012, Ashworth got his big break, taking the position of FA director of elite development, contributing to the development of the 'England DNA' program. He was there for six years when, in 2018, Ashworth resigned from his FA position and revealed his plans to assume the role of technical director at Brighton in 2019.

While with the Seagulls, Ashworth played a crucial role in overseeing successful transfers, including the acquisitions of the likes of Tariq Lamptey, Jakub Moder, and Marc Cucurella, who all succeded.

Newcastle appointed Ashworth as their sporting director in the summer of 2022 following months of speculation, and his recruitment has led them to one of their greatest eras in the Premier League.

What can Man Utd expect from Dan Ashworth?

At Newcastle, he has secured signings in the likes of Tino Livramento, Sandro Tonali, Harvey Barnes, Alexander Isak, and Sven Botman. All players with big potential and a far cry from purchases recently made by Man Utd, such as Casemiro and Raphael Varane.

His expertise and MO are very much in bringing in young English talent - a mantra synonymous with Ratcliffe's blueprint. Now Man Utd have managed to secure Ashworth, they can expect a complete change in their approach to recruitment.