Former Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has returned to the Football Association in a senior leadership role. The Dan Ashworth FA appointment sees the 54-year-old become the FA’s first-ever chief football officer, taking charge of the England men’s and women’s national teams and leading development at St. George’s Park.
Ashworth previously served as the FA’s director of elite development from 2013 to 2018, playing a key role in the strategic overhaul of English football. His return comes after a brief and costly five-month spell at Manchester United, which ended in December 2024.
FA Welcomes Back Trusted Football Strategist
FA chief executive Mark Bullingham praised Ashworth’s return, saying: “Dan is a hugely influential and respected figure in the game, who has a long-standing commitment to England Football. We are very happy to welcome him back in this new role.”
Ashworth’s career as a technical leader has included pivotal roles at West Bromwich Albion, Brighton & Hove Albion, and Newcastle United. He is widely credited with shaping England’s semi-final run at the 2018 World Cup and laying the foundations for Brighton’s rise as a Premier League force.
Manchester United Tenure Ends Amid Club Restructure
Ashworth joined Manchester United in July 2024 but was dismissed within five months as part of a major restructuring effort led by new co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe. His recruitment, combined with the retention of then-manager Erik ten Hag, was later described by Ratcliffe as a strategic error. The club’s pursuit of Ashworth had cost £4.1 million.
Despite that short-lived tenure, Ashworth remains one of the most respected football administrators in England, known for his talent-spotting, structural planning, and leadership acumen.
Ashworth to Oversee National Teams and Training Development
In his new position, Ashworth will collaborate closely with England men’s technical director John McDermott and the incoming women’s technical director. He will also manage development at St. George’s Park, the FA’s national training facility in Staffordshire.
His appointment reflects the FA’s renewed focus on long-term football development and performance strategy as England eyes success in upcoming international tournaments.
