The shock departure of Manchester United Sporting director Dan Ashworth has delivered an undeniable signal of intent from the Ineos chief, Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Having spent just five months in the position in the North West, the 53-year-old oversaw the summer transfer window and played a crucial role in the decision to hand Erik ten Hag a contract extension.
But what were the critical factors that led to this hugely surprising announcement from the sleeping giants of English football, and should we be surprised?
Indecision proves costly for Ashworth
Firstly, Norfolk native Ashworth thought that the club should keep former Ajax manager Ten Hag despite stating it was not his decision to hand the 54-year-old a contract extension in the first place.
There is ample suggestion that this comment angered his billionaire employer and set the tone for a rocky relationship.
We know now that Ratcliffe was dissatisfied with indecisiveness and lack of proactivity when tasked with identifying a top replacement for the Dutchman.
Furthermore, a key flashpoint in the breakdown of the relationship between the former Brighton director and United’s top brass centred around acquiring Ruben Amorim from Sporting Lisbon.
It has now emerged that Ashworth favoured a manager with Premier League experience and compiled a shortlist of Eddie Howe, Thomas Frank, Marco Silva and Graham Potter.
This assessment is said to have underwhelmed Ratcliffe, who sought a younger, more up-and-coming coach with a specific level of charisma and a recent track record of winning.
The intervention of Berrada
Omar Berrada stepped to the plate in October and actively searched for potential Ten Hag replacements.
The United owners were said to be highly impressed with the former City man’s decisive action in the club’s time of need and viewed that he ultimately did Ashworth’s job for him.
Perhaps this proved to be the fatal blow.
Jason Wilcox has also caught the eye of the owners with his impressive work to date.
The former Southampton director of football enjoys a strong relationship with Berrada and previously worked with him.
Furthermore, Wilcox was appointed at Berrada’s request – illustrating the esteem the former Leeds and Blackburn man holds.
What happens next?
Whether United now intend to replace Ashworth from within remains to be seen.
Berrada, Wilcox and interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivell have impressed so far, and all have experience in a similar field.
The trio could well share the responsibilities in an attempt to manage additional financial burdens.
Alternatively, names such as the highly-rated Atletico Madrid Sporting director Andrea Berta, PSG Chief Luis Campos, and the impressive Dougie Freedman of Crystal Palace have all been spoken about for the role.
Presently, this appears unlikely. However, time will tell whether the club sticks or twists.
One thing is for sure – Jim Ratcliffe was far from happy with his appointment of Ashworth and, in hindsight, likely views it as a monumental mistake.
The swift and decisive manner in which the Failsworth billionaire has disposed of his employee has sent shock waves throughout the Premier League.
And yet, should we really be surprised?
The United chief viewed the former West Brom and Brighton man’s work in the first few months at United as mediocre. This is hardly the desired result for a best-in-class family.
What did you make of Dan Ashworth’s shock exit from Manchester United?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
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