Edu resigns from Arsenal's sporting director role after five years

In December 2024, Dan Ashworth departed Manchester United after a short five-month stint as the sporting director. He officially began his role on July 1, following an extended gardening leave from Newcastle United, where he had served as technical director. Ashworth's initial appointment at Manchester United was marked by high expectations, as he was seen as a key figure in the new Ratcliffe-led hierarchy, focusing on football performance, recruitment, and operations. However, his time at the club was tumultuous, signaling that the transition process was not as smooth as anticipated. The decision for Ashworth's exit came directly after a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada following Manchester United's Premier League match against Nottingham Forest. This meeting raised eyebrows among United staff, as Ashworth's departure was unexpected given the significance of his role. The new management team, including Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Sir Dave Brailsford, had placed a lot of responsibility on Ashworth's shoulders, and his exit indicates a willingness of the new leadership to make rapid changes if things aren't progressing as per their vision. Before joining Manchester United, Ashworth had already experienced a notable career, resigning as technical director at Brighton & Hove Albion in February 2022 before moving to Newcastle United. His move to Manchester United followed extensive negotiations, ending with a compensation agreement of around £2 million to £3 million. Despite being praised by Ratcliffe as one of the best sporting directors globally, Ashworth's time at the club did not live up to expectations. As Manchester United now begins the search for a replacement, Ashworth's departure serves as a reminder of the challenges in football management and how quickly the landscape can change. The focus now shifts to how the club will recover from this transition and who will take over these critical responsibilities moving forward.