“Manchester United fans, don’t come for me, but I have to be honest here. The club made a huge mistake letting Dan Ashworth go when he wasn’t the one to blame. There’s someone else who should have taken responsibility for the Ineos shortcomings instead.” – Paul Scholes has sparked controversy with his bold take on the recent decisions at Manchester United. The former United legend has openly criticized the handling of Ashworth’s exit, pointing to another figure he believes was truly at fault.

A senior Sky Sports News reporter has criticized INEOS and Sir Jim Ratcliffe, calling their management “embarrassing” in light of the recent dismissal of Dan Ashworth, which could have financial repercussions for Manchester United fans.

The club announced on Sunday that they had mutually agreed to part ways with Ashworth, their sporting director. However, reports, including those from reliable sources like David Ornstein, suggest that Ashworth’s departure was instigated by the club.

Melissa Reddy, a prominent Sky Sports journalist, described Ashworth’s exit, less than six months after his appointment, as “another embarrassing look for INEOS’ decision-making.” Reddy also highlighted growing concerns among fans that ordinary supporters are bearing the financial burden of the club’s leadership missteps under INEOS and Ratcliffe’s control.

These concerns come amidst significant layoffs and a sharp rise in ticket prices to a minimum of £66, which led to fan protests last weekend. Additionally, the costs of managerial changes have been staggering: £10.4 million was spent sacking Erik ten Hag and his coaching staff, while hiring Ruben Amorim and his team came at a cost of £11 million, totaling £21.4 million. While Ashworth’s severance package hasn’t been disclosed, it is expected to be substantial, given the short duration of his tenure.

Reddy commented:
“Significant questions will be raised over INEOS’ management of football operations at Manchester United following Dan Ashworth’s departure after just five months as sporting director.
“This development, along with the decision to retain Ten Hag, heavily support him in the summer, and then sack him after just 13 games this season, represents another costly error.”

Reddy also pointed out that Manchester United had paid between £2 million and £3 million in compensation to Newcastle to bring Ashworth in—a tenure that lasted less than the wait to secure him. She added that while there was no major fallout, insiders suggest the structure was not functioning effectively, making his departure yet another blemish on INEOS’ leadership.

Reasons Behind Ashworth’s Exit

Reports have emerged suggesting Ashworth’s departure was tied to disagreements over Ruben Amorim’s appointment as Ten Hag’s replacement. Sources like talkSPORT’s Alex Crook claim Ashworth felt marginalized in key decisions, with CEO Omar Berrada and INEOS director Sir Dave Brailsford dominating the process. Ashworth reportedly favored a British coach, such as Gareth Southgate, and clashed with Berrada over personality differences.

Fabrizio Romano reported that Ratcliffe was dissatisfied with Ashworth’s handling of the summer transfer window, further fueling speculation about the rift. Ratcliffe himself emphasized the importance of top-tier recruitment, stating, “Manchester United must have the best recruitment in the world… It’s all about finding the right people.”

What’s Next for Manchester United?

Reporter Ben Jacobs noted that United might not immediately replace Ashworth, even with the January transfer window approaching. Instead, the club could elevate existing staff, including technical director Jason Wilcox and interim recruitment director Chris Vivell, to take on greater responsibilities. Key figures like Brailsford, Jean-Claude Blanc, and Omar Berrada will continue to influence recruitment and other decisions.

Meanwhile, criticisms of Ruben Amorim’s in-game tactics are growing. Both Gary Neville and Tim Howard have questioned Amorim’s frequent defensive substitutions, a pattern reminiscent of Ten Hag’s later days at Old Trafford. The changes have left many wondering whether Amorim’s approach is a tactical misstep.

Manchester United now face a critical period of decision-making, with the January transfer window looming and fans watching closely to see how the club moves forward under INEOS’ leadership.