Sir Jim Ratcliffe considering bold Man United U-turn after Dan Ashworth departs

Manchester United sacked Dan Ashworth at the start of December but are yet to decide whether to appoint a direct replacement for their former technical director

Manchester United continue to contemplate their next move following the departure of Dan Ashworth.

Ashworth parted ways with the club in early December, officially by mutual agreement, but United axed its inaugural sporting director after only five months and six days. The former Football Association director of elite development opposed the appointment of Ruben Amorim as the club's permanent head coach to replace Erik ten Hag.

Ashworth instead recommended ex-England manager Gareth Southgate, his long-time FA colleague. Separate sources say he was not involved in the selection process, with chief executive Omar Berrada driving the Amorim pursuit.

In Ashworth's absence, Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox have assumed more responsibility. The former is deciding the next move, and according to the Mail, there is currently a great deal of uncertainty.

Berrada is reportedly considering the scope of any new executive appointment, suggesting a potential lower-ranked hire and restructuring the leadership team rather than a like-for-like replacement. United are not rushing to find a replacement for Ashworth, perhaps reflecting on their earlier decision to pay compensation to bring him in from Newcastle United earlier this year, only to part ways less than six months later.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe is keen to set things straight after a rocky initial period at the club. Bold and potentially unpopular decisions are on the horizon as he aims to revive United's fortunes.

Having conducted a review, Ratcliffe has cut 250 roles at United, which didn't sit well with certain staff members. However, the petrochemical magnate prioritises revitalising his childhood team over preserving popularity.

Ratcliffe told the United We Stand fanzine: "Manchester United has become mediocre. It is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions. If you shy away from the difficult decisions, then nothing much is going to change."