Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has declared his ambition is to ensure the club returns to being among world’s best, and not simply to be a big club.

Ashworth arrived at Old Trafford after the Red Devils agreed a deal with Newcastle earlier this summer, after a period on gardening leave as the clubs struggled to come to terms. The former Brighton director now oversees his first summer in a senior role at United, working with chief executive Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox who are also newly-appointed by co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe.

The 53-year-old chief’s arrival has coincided with deals being agreed for forward Joshua Zirkzee and teenage central defender Leny Yoro. This summer has the potential for a significant overhaul on and off the pitch as United look to bounce back from their worst ever Premier League finish.

It was the decision to continue with Erik ten Hag that was Ashworth’s first duty however. The sporting director believes that the Dutch manager is one of the best in Europe and that FA Cup success hints at what the team is capable of.

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“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,” said Ashworth in a open letter.

“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.

“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.

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“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.”

Ashworth went on to outline changes taking place at the club. He suggested that the academy and women’s sides will see a great deal of attention too.

“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 continued.

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“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.

“Delivering a successful women’s team and a thriving, productive Academy are both key objectives of my job, and I have a strong background in both areas. Women’s football was an important part of my remit in past roles with Newcastle United, Brighton & Hove Albion and the FA, and it will be the same at Manchester United. Women’s football is arguably the most exciting area of growth in the global game, and we want to be part of that.

“Last season’s FA Cup win was a fantastic landmark as our first major women’s trophy, and now we want to build on that with Marc, his staff and the players. Youth development has also been a huge part of my career and I see it as a crucial element of success for any football club – but especially for Manchester United where homegrown players have such a rich history.

Millie Turner and Marc Skinner lift the FA Cup trophy after Man Utd’s victory over Tottenham ( 
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Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images)

“The success of our Under-18s during the 2023/24 campaign bodes well for the next generation of men’s talent coming through, and the same is true on the women’s side, with both our Under-21s and Under-16s finishing the season with trophies. 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.”