Arsenal ‘line up’ incredible Dan Ashworth deal as Man Utd ‘agreement reached’

Dan Ashworth could be offered an instant return to football by Arsenal after his shock Manchester United exit at the weekend, according to reports. The Gunners are on the prowl for a new sporting director after Edu’s recent resignation, and Ashworth is now an enticing available option.

United announced they had parted ways with the 53-year-old on Sunday, a day after chief executive Omar Berrada informed him of the decision at the 3-2 home defeat against Nottingham Forest.

Ashworth lasted just five months as part of the Red Devils’ new-look football hierarchy under the Ineos banner – the same period he spent on gardening leave at Newcastle United.

And the Old Trafford giants’ loss could be Arsenal’s gain as they reportedly line up an eye-catching swoop for the highly regarded chief.

According to The Sun, Ashworth is a target for the Premier League title hopefuls in a process led by managing director Richard Garlick.

Ashworth and Garlick worked together at West Bromwich Albion for three years before the former left for the Football Association in 2013.

The pair share a close relationship that could boost Arsenal’s hopes of luring him to north London soon after his failed United tenure.

It’s claimed that Everton are also circling Ashworth ahead of The Friedkin Group’s takeover, with a structural review set to result in the appointment of a new chief executive and technical director.

At United, Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s reason for dismissing the former Brighton and Hove Albion figure was reportedly partly down to a realisation that the club’s boardroom was too bloated.

And the report adds that United have agreed to abandon the sporting director position, opting against pursuing a replacement.

Ineos director of sport Sir Dave Brailsford, technical director Jason Wilcox and Berrada are said to have inherited Ashworth’s responsibilities.

It follows the trend of ruthless cutbacks at Old Trafford under the Ineos regime, with around 250 employees losing their jobs since Ratcliffe’s investment.

Ashworth reportedly fought against job cuts too often, which irked the new United kingpin, and further action is expected.

It’s claimed that the academy and women’s football departments are likely to be streamlined in the near future, which should make Carrington even quieter.

Whether Ashworth would consider a switch to Arsenal so soon after his United departure remains to be seen.

But the opportunity to get on board with the Gunners’ exciting project could be one too difficult to ignore.