Ex-United sporting director Dan Ashworth in line for shock March appointment at rival PL club – David Ornstein

Former Manchester United executive Dan Ashworth is one of the candidates under consideration to be appointed Arsenal’s sporting director in March, reports the reliable David Ornstein.

Ashworth left his position as United’s sporting director in December last year, after only five months in the job.

The Red Devils recruited him from Newcastle to much fanfare and financial expense but he was dismissed in the immediate aftermath of the side’s 3-2 loss at the hands of Nottingham Forest – a result that left United in 13th place in the Premier League table.

A statement released by United indicated that they reached a “mutual agreement” with Ashworth to permanently part ways.

It was later revealed that the 53-year-old did not see eye-to-eye with other members of the hierarchy including co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

Some of the issues they disagreed about included the choice of potential managers to replace Erik ten Hag and which players to recruit in the summer transfer window.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person relayed that Ashworth landed a new consultancy role with Warwickshire County Cricket Club.

Now, David Ornstein of The Athletic reveals that Ashworth is part of a five-man shortlist to replace Edu Gaspar and become Arsenal’s next sporting director.

The position has been vacant since November when Gaspar resigned. His deputy, Jason Ayto, was promoted on an interim basis while the club went about the business of searching for a more permanent solution.

According to Ornstein, “Arsenal plan to appoint a new sporting director next month and are in the process of whittling down candidates before their final decision is reached.”

“Ayto remains an option for the full-time post and is joined by the likes of Dan Ashworth, Andrea Berta, Roberto Olabe and Thiago Scuro among those to have been discussed internally or held talks. The process was supported by a recruitment firm initially — helping form, assess and reduce a long list — prior to a smaller group of individuals advancing to interviews with the club hierarchy.”

“Arsenal’s ownership, KSE, is heavily involved in the matter and an ultimate call will not be made without its consultation, approval and sign-off.”

Ornstein notes that after his failed United spell, Ashworth will undoubtedly be eager to ensure the next club he joins is the right one for him.

Berta – who left Atletico Madrid – was previously mentioned as someone United could try to enlist as Ashworth’s successor and interestingly enough, he’s a contender for the same job at the Emirates.

It’s understood that Berta has been learning English in London in preparation for a stint in the Premier League.

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