“Dan Ashworth’s decisions to make two signings for Manchester United clearly show why he had to leave. His choices just didn’t fit the club’s needs” – This is according Sir Alex Ferguson as he suggests that Ashworth’s role in the signings reveals key issues, and his departure was the right move for the club.

Dan Ashworth has officially stepped down from his role as sporting director at Manchester United, and it’s becoming increasingly apparent why this change was necessary.

While Ashworth earned praise for his successful recruitment efforts at Newcastle and Brighton, his signings at United this summer have been underwhelming. The Red Devils have had a rough start to the season, with new arrivals like Joshua Zirkzee and Matthijs de Ligt failing to make an impact.

Reports from ESPN reveal that Ashworth played a key role in both transfers, and the reasoning behind these decisions may explain why the club chose to part ways with him. It seems Ashworth was hesitant about signing De Ligt but proceeded because he wanted to support former manager Erik ten Hag, who was keen on the deal. For Zirkzee, Ashworth’s scouting team identified the former Bologna forward based on data analysis, though the results so far have been disappointing.

While Ashworth may thrive in a different setting, it appears his approach wasn’t what United needed at this time. Fans will likely be frustrated to learn about his involvement in these ill-fated deals, which have resulted in more wasted resources. United must now focus on finding the right replacement to work alongside new manager Ruben Amorim, as the club’s success hinges on a strong structure at the board level.