Dan Ashworth could link up with Cristiano Ronaldo at Al-Nassr (Image: Getty)
Dan Ashworth is reportedly in discussions to become the new sporting director of Al-Nassr. The Saudi Pro League side has compiled a star-studded squad in recent years, with big-name stars like Cristiano Ronaldo, Jhon Duran, Aymeric Laporte and Sadio Mane all earning their living in Riyadh.
And Ashworth could soon be entrusted to oversee their future transfer business. The 54-year-old has not returned to the football world since leaving Manchester United by 'mutual agreement' in December. But that could soon change, as Sportitalia claim that 'talks' are underway for Ashworth to head to the Middle East and join up with former United star Ronaldo.
Having formerly worked at the FA, Brighton and Newcastle United, Ashworth was part of the wave of high-level appointments made by Sir Jim Ratcliffe in his first few weeks at Old Trafford, which included CEO Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox.
While Berrada and Wilcox remain with the Red Devils, Ashworth's stint lasted only five months. And although the club publicly stated that his exit was a mutual decision, Ratcliffe recently clarified that there were issues behind the scenes.
"I think we just have to say 'chemistry', really," he told The Telegraph. "I don't really want to go down that road. It is what it is, and it was our fault."
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Dan Ashworth lasted just five months at Man Utd (Image: Getty)
United went to great lengths to hire Ashworth, who was placed on gardening leave by former employers Newcastle last February after communicating his desire to make the move to Old Trafford. It was then more than four months until the two clubs agreed a compensation package which was reportedly worth up to £3million.
Reflecting on the time and money invested into Ashworth, as well as former United manager Erik ten Hag, Ratcliffe admitted that he would have done things differently if he had the chance.
"They were just mistakes," he said. "The Erik thing is slightly mitigating. There was quite a lot of debate about that at the time. He had just won a cup final. The fans were clearly of the view that we’d like to stick with him and all that sort of stuff.
Invalid email
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
"They were both mistakes. I don’t think we can say much more than that. It’s a journey and there are a lot of decisions that have to be made over the course of the journey and we’re not going to get them all right. I don’t think in the future we’ll get them all right either because we’re not perfect."
Since leaving United, Ashworth, who was also linked to the Arsenal sporting director vacancy which is set to be filled by Andrea Berta, has taken up an advisory role with Warwickshire County Cricket Club. It remains to be seen whether that is impacted by his possible move to Saudi.
