Arsenal have reportedly tapped Dan Ashworth for the role of sporting director, just days after he was sacked by Manchester United.
Ashworth left Old Trafford at the weekend, and although the club maintained in a statement that it was a mutual decision, there is believed to have been a breakdown in relations between the 53-year-old and members of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Ineos Group.
Ratcliffe, in particular, is reported to have been angry that Ashworth walked away from the decision to hand former United manager Erik ten Hag a new contract after a failed search for a replacement in the summer.
Dan Ashworth is to step down as Manchester United’s sporting director by mutual consent.#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 8, 2024
ESPN report Ashworth could quickly return to the game after being added to the list of candidates for the position vacated by Edu last month.
The former Arsenal and Brazil midfielder stepped down to take up a role overseeing the clubs owned by Greek shipping magnate Evangelos Marinakis, a collection that includes Nottingham Forest, Olympiakos and Rio Ave.
There is no succession plan
Arsenal did not have a succession plan in place, according to ESPN, meaning they must begin the recruitment process while Edu serves a period of gardening leave.
Ashworth’s stock has undoubtedly fallen following his five-month spell at Old Trafford, during which the club renewed the Ten Hag’s deal before sacking him and replacing him with Ruben Amorim. Ashworth was reportedly against the Portuguese’s appointment, preferring instead a British manager such as Gareth Southgate or Eddie Howe.
However, his previous work in the Football Association, as well as West Brom, Brighton and Newcastle, means his reputation is not entirely in the dirt.
Garlic could be a key ingredient in the quest
He also has an ally at Arsenal in the club’s chief executive Richard Garlick.
Ashworth and Garlick worked together at West Brom and reportedly had a close relationship.
Garlick will work with assistant technical director Jason Ayto in the January transfer window, although Arsenal are not expected to be busy.
Garlick, manager Mikel Arteta, board member Tim Lewis and co-chairman Josh Kroenke are said to be among those to appoint the new sporting director.
