Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s brutal answer on why Dan Ashworth failed after leaving Newcastle

Dan Ashworth’s career trajectory has taken a series of unexpected turns since his departure from Newcastle United, leaving many to question the decisions and circumstances surrounding his exit from both St. James’ Park and, more recently, Manchester United.

Appointed as Newcastle’s first sporting director under the PIF era in 2022, Ashworth was seen as a key figure in the club’s ambitious project to reestablish themselves among English football’s elite.

However, after less than two years in the role, he was placed on gardening leave amid strong interest from Manchester United, who were eager to bring him on board as part of Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s sweeping overhaul of the club.

Manchester United’s pursuit of Ashworth was relentless, culminating in a reported £5 million payment to secure his services.

His appointment was viewed as a statement of intent, signaling Ratcliffe’s commitment to rebuilding the Red Devils from the ground up. Yet, Ashworth’s tenure at Old Trafford was short-lived, lasting only a few months before his departure in December.

For a club of Manchester United’s stature, the abrupt exit of such a high-profile figure was undeniably embarrassing, raising questions about the internal dynamics and decision-making processes at the club.

Despite the setback, Ashworth’s reputation within the football world remains intact. Arsenal were among the clubs linked with the 53-year-old, highlighting the respect he commands in the industry.

However, the events of the past few months have undoubtedly cast a shadow over his career, leaving many to wonder how his recent experiences will impact his future opportunities.

The reasons behind his departure from Manchester United remain shrouded in mystery, with Ratcliffe offering little clarity during a recent interview with Gary Neville.

When pressed on the matter, Ratcliffe provided a blunt and somewhat cryptic response, attributing Ashworth’s exit to a lack of “chemistry.” He elaborated, stating,

“Maybe a bit more than chemistry, but it didn’t work out. We decided we would make a change. We could have lived with it due to the scrutiny in the media we knew we would get, but I wasn’t prepared to live with it.”

This explanation, while vague, suggests that Ashworth’s vision and approach may not have aligned with the direction Ratcliffe and his team envisioned for Manchester United.

Ashworth’s departure has, in many ways, vindicated Newcastle United’s decision to part ways with him. The Magpies moved quickly to appoint Paul Mitchell as his replacement, and while it is still early days, the early signs are promising.

Mitchell, who previously held roles at Tottenham and Monaco, has already begun to make his mark, navigating the challenges of a transfer window heavily influenced by Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR). His ability to facilitate player sales in January has been particularly noteworthy, demonstrating a pragmatic approach that aligns with Newcastle’s long-term objectives.

Newcastle’s owners have expressed confidence in Mitchell’s capabilities, believing him to be an upgrade on Ashworth. While it is too early to draw definitive conclusions, the club’s ability to move forward without significant disruption suggests they have managed Ashworth’s exit effectively.

The Magpies have not only maintained their upward trajectory but have also shown resilience in the face of change, a testament to the strength of their current structure and leadership.

As for Ashworth, the coming months will be crucial in determining his next steps. His track record speaks for itself, but the recent turbulence in his career has undoubtedly raised questions.

Whether he can rebuild his reputation and secure another high-profile role remains to be seen. For now, the focus remains on Newcastle United and their continued progress under the guidance of Paul Mitchell, whose early contributions have already begun to justify the faith placed in him by the club’s ownership.

Time will tell if Mitchell can deliver the success Newcastle fans crave, but one thing is certain: the Magpies are moving forward with purpose and determination, leaving the Dan Ashworth chapter firmly in the past.