Man Utd fans think they’ve figured out who could replace Dan Ashworth as sporting director

Fans think they've worked out who will replace Dan Ashworth as Manchester United's next sporting director following his unexpected departure.

United confirmed on Sunday morning that Ashworth will be leaving his role at United by mutual agreement, just five months after arriving on the scene at Old Trafford.

The 53-year-old is said to have agreed to his departure in a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada on Saturday following United's Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.

Back in July, the appointment of Ashworth was seen by many as a smart piece of business following successful spells at Brighton and Newcastle.

In fact, earlier this year, United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe labelled him "one of the top sporting directors in the world" but after United spent around £200 million in the summer, it appears all was not well.

A report from The Athletic suggests Ashworth's transition into the role 'has not been smooth', with United 'instigating' the separation, while talkSPORT suggest he felt 'sidelined from the big decisions' as Omar Berrada and Sir Dave Brailsford called the shots.

Since the news emerged, talk has inevitably turned to Ashworth's possible replacement.

Paris Saint-Germain's sporting director Luis Campos, who is out of contract at the end of the season, could be option. Roberto Olabe will soon be on the market after he recently announced that he will leave Real Sociedad at the end of the season.

But fans think Omar Berrada's relationship with Txiki Begiristain at Manchester City could prove to be a deciding factor.

One fan wrote: "I have a feeling that Berrada might go for Txiki Begiristain as he is leaving City and the history of them working together. Let’s see what happens in the next few days."

A second said: "Txiki Begiristain to follow his mate, Omar Berrada, from the Etihad to Manchester United?" and a third commented: "Imagine Omar Berrada has convinced Txiki Begiristain to jump on board."

A fourth said: "Txiki Begiristain worked with Berrada at City, stepped down. Man Utd mutually terminated Ashworth contract. Omar Berrada I see what you’re doing."

A fifth added: "Sir Jim Ratcliffe replacing Dan Ashworth with Txiki Begiristain might not be a bad call afterall, talking about the man that won the Golden Boy Award as Best Director 2024. I’m in."

I understand it now INEOS https://t.co/6NNtg2xE2j pic.twitter.com/ThbkfZGLXM

— 🔗 (@Gideoomatic) December 8, 2024

Begiristain will step down from his role as City's director of football at the end of the season.

The 60-year-old, who played for Real Sociedad and Deportivo La Coruna during his playing career, was tasked with supporting the club's management team with world class recruitment and operations.

And he has since played an integral part in the club's success over the past decade; something Pep Guardiola has been vocal about.

Back in January, he was full of praise for Begiristain. "If you take a look at the clubs who have success, they have had the same sporting director or hierarchy for a long time," he said.

"Txiki has been massively important at this club. He was here before I arrived and was stable in the club. He has been really important in these years and part of the enormous success we’ve had in terms of results and many things, he has been so important.

"I do ask him to take responsibility with the media, talk a bit, but he’s so shy. He wants to be behind the scenes so all the shots and the weapons are directed to me. But it was the same in Barcelona."

Guardiola added: "He's a close friend and we’ve known each other 25 or 30 years. He’s calm and that balance helps us work perfectly together."