December 11 – Sporting director, Dan Ashworth must be racking the moving bills. Fresh from his sudden departure from Manchester United, the former Newcastle United sporting director is high on the list of candidates to move into the same role at Arsenal.
Last month former Brazilian and Arsenal icon, Edu, decided it was time to move from North London and up sticks to Nottingham Forest and their flamboyant owner, Greek shipping magnet Evangelos Marinakis.
Ashworth (pictured), 53, who had only been at United for five months lost a power struggle with the new chief executive, Omar Berrada, and minority owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to act quickly.
The reasons for his sacking are opaque, however sources say ‘he wasn’t really fitting into the structure’, which stems from the fact that he wasn’t a big fan of the new head coach, Ruben Amorim.
Despite this acrimonious ending and denting to his reputation, Ashworth still commands a significant following in the game after successful spells working with the Football Association (FA), Brighton and Hove Albion, and the Magpies, where he spent time on ‘gardening leave’ before moving to Manchester with much fanfare.
If the move to Arsenal happens, Ashworth will be reunited with managing director, Richard Garlick, whom he worked with at West Bromwich Albion.
The Gunners, who placed, Edu, on ‘gardening leave’ for six months appeared to be in no rush to replace the former member of the ‘Invincible’ team but with the sudden availability of Ashworth, and the need to strengthen the squad ahead of the January transfer window, the decision could make itself.
In hindsight, Ashworth, might be relieved to be leaving the ‘dumpster fire’ that is Man United under the ownership of the Glazer family and Ratcliffe, and move to Arsenal, which has been a bastion of stability compared to their once, fiercest rivals.
Contact the writer of this story, Nick Webster, at moc.l1733968260labto1733968260ofdlr1733968260owedi1733968260sni@o1733968260fni1733968260