Manchester United’s new sporting director Dan Ashworth has set out his vision for the club and thrown his support behind Erik ten Hag, describing him as “one of Europe’s top coaches”.
Ashworth finally started work at Old Trafford on July 1 having been placed on extended gardening leave by Newcastle United while a compensation deal was thrashed out.
The 53-year-old was the top target of Jim Ratcliffe and his Ineos Group following the purchase of their minority stake in the club and is recognised as being an integral part of an off-field revamp that fans hope will help the club back to the top of the English game.
A clear vision for the future.
Sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has written a column especially for United fans about our future plans ⤵️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 22, 2024
Ashworth shares that vision and he believes Dutchman Ten Hag – who survived an internal review at the end of last season and was handed a 12-month contract extension – is the perfect man to achieve it having led United to two trophies in his two years in charge.
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What has Ashworth had to say?
In an open letter to the club’s supporters, Ashworth said: “Omar Berrada has started as chief executive, and Jason Wilcox as technical director, and I can assure you that we have lost no time in getting to work.
“Our first big decision of the summer was to extend Erik ten Hag’s contract as men’s first-team manager to June 2026, reflecting our strong belief in him as one of Europe’s top coaches, and the partner we want to continue working with to get the team back to the levels expected.”
United won the FA Cup last season by beating Manchester City at Wembley to end a disappointing season, that saw them finish eighth in the Premier League and go out of the Champions League at the group stage, on a high.
Ashworth added: “We are all clear that last season fell below the required standards in the Premier League and Champions League but, by winning the FA Cup in such impressive fashion, our players and staff showed what they are capable of when everyone pulls together and performs to their potential.
“Our collective challenge is to reach those levels much more consistently. It’s my job, together with Jason, to create the right support structures and environment around Erik, the staff and players to make that possible.
“Already, I can feel a strong sense of energy and determination around the group, as the players and staff return fresh from their breaks, including some exciting new additions to the squad, and to the coaching team.”
☝️⚽️@AmadDiallo_19 scored our first goal of the summer! ☀️#MUFC
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) July 21, 2024
It’s not just on-field investment
The club’s training facility at Carrington is also being revamped with Ashworth committed to improving the infrastructure for all the club’s teams.
“There are also changes to the physical environment at Carrington as work commences on our season-long £50 million redevelopment of the training ground – evidence of our commitment to improving the club’s infrastructure,” he said.
“This will require some adaptation this season, but all our teams – men’s, women’s and Academy – will maintain access to high-quality facilities, with the promise of a fully refreshed, world-class site once the project is completed.
“Overall, my first impression is the scale of opportunity available to us at Manchester United as we review and refresh all areas of the club.
“This remains one of the biggest football clubs in the world, but that is not our measure of success; the focus is on getting back to being among the best on the pitch. It won’t happen overnight, but, together with Omar and his new leadership team, we will not rest until we have achieved it.”
