Arsenal Targets Former Manchester United Sports Director

Former Manchester United Sports Director Dan Ashworth is targeted by Arsenal (doc. Manchester United).

JAKARTA - And Ashworth officially left the position of Manchester United Sports Director on Monday, December 9, 2024, local time.

He reportedly resigned because the minority shareholder of The Red Devis, Sir Jim Radcliffe, was no longer interested in his whereabouts.

In fact, Dan Ashworth only worked at Old Trafford five months ago. He was hijacked from Newcastle United for a lot of money in June 2024.

Ashworth's departure further shows that Manchester United officials can't wait to build a competitive team.

Despite the dispute with Manchester United officials, Ashworth does not seem to be unemployed for long.

ESPN sources said the 53-year-old man was already on Arsenal's target list for the position of Director of Sports as well.

The Gunners are no stranger to Ashworth. Previously, he also worked with Arsenal's Managing Director, Richard Garlick, at West Bromwich Albion.

Garlick was Director-Secretary of West Brom Law, but was promoted to Director of Sports and Technicals in 2013 following Ashworth's departure to the FA (British Football Federation).

Garlick and Ashworth are known to have a very close working relationship at the time. Garlick is now leading Arsenal and is looking for Sports Director after Edu resigned from his post last month.

The Brazilian has agreed to a principle agreement to lead the multiclub group owned by the owner of Nottingham Forest, Evangeros Marinakis.

Edu's sudden departure clearly shocked many staff at Arsenal. In the aftermath, the Gunners are not ready to look for a successor.

So far, Arsenal appointed assistant Technical Director Jason Ayto to fill the chair that Edu left with the help of Garlick who would support him in the January 2025 transfer window.

The problem is, January 2025 was predicted as a calm window for Arsenal. However, an unexpected injury storm as well as a market opportunity urged the Gunners to be active.

Therefore, looking for a replacement for Edu to prepare for the winter transfer market is the first step.

Tit for tat when Ashworth surprisingly withdrew from Manchester United. Living now, Arsenal must know how the 53-year-old man agreed with the Red Devils.

You see, Arsenal is worried that Ashworth's clause will not be able to take other jobs for some time to come.

And Ashworth has a reputation for cheating in English football. He enjoyed a successful period at FA, Brighton, and Newcastle United.

Meanwhile, Arsenal has formed a team to find a replacement for Edu consisting of Garlick, Manager Mikel Arteta, Member of the Lewis Team Council, and Director Josh Kroenke.

Arsenal will continue to follow a careful process in terms of selecting candidates and identifying the right personality profile before officially approaching any individual.

Candidates from around the world will be considered and there is an acknowledgment that Edu's background as a former Gunners player and member of the Arsenal Invincibles squad will be difficult to emulate.