Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth is discussing a return to the Football Association (FA) just months after his abrupt Old Trafford exit, according to the Telegraph.
The 54-year-old was dismissed by United a mere five months in the role. The club fought tooth and nail to take him from Newcastle United but let him go unceremoniously.
Ashworth’s short tenure at United concluded in December after a disappointing run of results.
He has subsequently been linked with various roles, including the sporting director position at Arsenal and a potential move to Saudi Arabia. He has also been advising Warwickshire County Cricket Club.
Talks are now underway for Ashworth to take on a senior role at the FA’s national football centre. This potential appointment comes as the FA embarks on a St George’s Park 2.0 project to refurbish the facility.
Ashworth would be instrumental in overseeing this project while taking responsibility for the men’s and women’s national teams across all age groups.
His role would also involve developing coaches within England.
Ashworth previously held a top position at the FA between 2012 and 2018, rising to run the entire football operation.
He oversaw massive success for England’s youth teams, including World Cup and European Championship victories in 2017.
Ashworth also played a key role in the senior men’s team that reached the World Cup semi-finals in his final year.
While Ashworth would be a significant addition to the FA’s structure, it is understood that current technical director John McDermott’s role remains secure, as does the women’s technical director position.
Ashworth’s return shows a renewed focus on development and infrastructure at the FA as they look to build on past successes and address concerns around the current state of English coaching.
