Manchester United minority owners INEOS have implemented several changes to the club’s football system since taking over in February 2024. The Red Devils’ recruitment policy in the past decade has frequently come under scrutiny, with multiple questionable decisions negatively impacting their finances.
INEOS identified that the club’s transfer activity needed a revamp and one of their first decisions was to poach Newcastle United sporting director Dan Ashworth. A standoff followed, with the Magpies finally agreeing a compensation fee for the departure of the former Norwich City academy graduate, who was placed on gardening leave.
Ashworth officially joined United in 1 July 2024, taking charge as the club’s new sporting director. Under his leadership, the Red Devils enjoyed a productive summer transfer window, signing Matthijs de Ligt, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Joshua Zirkzee and Manuel Ugarte.
Ashworth also played a role in the appointment of former head coach Ruben Amorim in November as Erik ten Hag’s replacement. However, the Englishman was surprisingly relieved of his duties by mutual consent before the end of the year.
Ashworth subsequently took up a role as FA’s chief football officer, but now appears that he is all set for a return to club football.
Birmingham City want Ashworth
According to Football Insider, Ashworth is in the running to become Birmingham City’s director of football. The report states: “Dan Ashworth is a contender to be the next Birmingham City director of football, sources have told Football Insider.”
“The 55-year-old former Newcastle and Brighton recruitment chief is competing for the high profile Championship post with ex-Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman and the Blues’ current academy director Mike Rigg.”
Appointing Ashworth was a questionable decision by INEOS, but United continued to operate effectively following his departure.
United have coped well since Ashworth’s departure
Ashworth’s abrupt departure from Old Trafford surprised many, especially since United had gone to great lengths to secure his signature. It has since been revealed that the decision cost the club approximately £4.1 million.
Jason Wilcox initially stepped in as Ashworth’s replacement, before being promoted to the position of Director of Football for the English giants. United signed Ayden Heaven and Patrick Dorgu in January last year, and invested over £200 million in the attack and goalkeeping positions last summer.
Their transfer activity has been successful, with Benjamin Sesko, Bryan Mbeumo, Matheus Cunha and Senne Lammens all playing key roles in the third-place finish in the Premier League last season. The Red Devils also underwent another managerial change as Michael Carrick replaced Amorim in January and has since been appointed as permanent manager.
Premier League Top Five: 2025/26 Season
| Pos | Team | Games Played | Games Won | Games Drawn | Games Lost | Goals Scored | Goals Conceded | Goal Difference | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 38 | 26 | 7 | 5 | 71 | 27 | 44 | 85 |
| 2 | Manchester City | 38 | 23 | 9 | 6 | 77 | 35 | 42 | 78 |
| 3 | Manchester United | 38 | 20 | 11 | 7 | 69 | 50 | 19 | 71 |
| 4 | Aston Villa | 38 | 19 | 8 | 11 | 56 | 49 | 7 | 65 |
| 5 | Liverpool | 38 | 17 | 9 | 12 | 63 | 53 | 10 | 60 |
Source: Premier League website.
Final Thoughts
United have been on the rise in recent months under Carrick and there is genuine optimism among fans about the upcoming campaign. Should INEOS manage to maintain their impressive recent record in the transfer market this year, it will not be long before the Red Devils reestablish their position among Europe’s elite.
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