Dan Ashworth is yet to return to football after his embarrassing departures from Newcastle United and Manchester United.
The Red Devils relentlessly pursued Dan Ashworth in 2024, eventually poaching him from Newcastle United after months of back and forth between the two clubs.
It was a very messy situation, and one that was all for nothing. Five months after becoming the sporting director at Old Trafford, Dan Ashworth left Manchester United.
It was a staggering situation, with the Ashworth saga costing Man United £4.1million in compensation.
Dan Ashworth set to miss out on Arsenal sporting director job
After being relieved of his duties at Old Trafford, Ashworth is awaiting his next challenge in the world of football.
However, that challenge will not be with Arsenal.
Ashworth was recently linked with Arsenal, as the Gunners prepare to replace Edu Gaspar and appoint a new sporting director.
According to Fabrizio Romano on X, it will not be Ashworth who gets the job at the Emirates Stadium. Instead, it looks like former Atletico Madrid chief Andrea Berta is in line for the role.
Romano wrote on X: “Understand Andrea Berta is now the top candidate to become new Arsenal director in order to replace Edu. Discussions already took place, Berta left Atletico after building the team with key signings in the recent years. Talks at advanced stage, not done/sealed yet.”
The transfer expert later added: “More on Andrea Berta and Arsenal story reported earlier today. The negotiations are at advanced stages as Berta is giving priority to Arsenal as next destination. All parties are confident to get the agreement done this month, with details still left to be sorted.”
What Dan Ashworth has done since Manchester United exit
A return to the Premier League is not imminent for Ashworth.
In the meantime, Ashworth is actually working in a different sport to football.
BBC Sport reported in February that the former Newcastle chief is advising on performance strategy for Warwickshire County Cricket Club on a voluntary basis.
It is good to hear that Ashworth is filling the hours in away from cutting the grass, given the length of time he has spent on gardening leave in recent years!
Given his reputation, it will surely not be long before the 53-year-old returns to football.
Shortly after his Man United exit, Ashworth was linked with Everton. There could soon be a vacancy on Merseyside, with current sporting director Kevin Thelwell rumoured to be leaving this summer.
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