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MANCHESTER UNITED have ditched the role of sporting director after their failed Dan Ashworth experiment.Sir Jim Ratcliffe axed Ashworth following Saturday’s 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest.Dan Ashworth is being linked with a move to ArsenalCredit: PAHead of Sport Sir David Brailsford, CEO Omar Berrada and techinal director Jason Wilcox will now fill Ashworth’s bootsAshworth, now a target for Prem rivals Arsenal, was United’s first ever sporting director.But he is gone after just five months — with the post consigned to history.Red Devils part-owner Ratcliffe decided that his Ineos right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford, United chief exec Omar Berrada and technical director Jason Wilcox will share the responsibilities of the position.Ashworth, 53, was forced out of Old Trafford after losing a power battle with ex-City executive Berrada.READ MORE ON MAN UTDThe pair had a huge fall-out over how the club should move forward in a bid to get back to the top of English football.But Ashworth, who worked at Newcastle, Brighton, West Brom and the FA, could be offered a swift return.Arsenal are assessing options to replace Edu as sporting director at the Emirates and Ashworth’s unexpected availability has caught their eye.Ashworth has a close relationship with Gunners managing director Richard Garlick, who is leading the search to land a new sporting director.Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSInside Man Utd chaos amid Ashworth departureTHE blame game has another victim as things go from bad to worse at Old Trafford.Manchester United’s first sporting director, Dan Ashworth, arrived in the summer and is gone before Christmas.SunSport exclusively revealed last month that there was trouble at mill.That the new senior management team were already blaming each other for the mess the club were in.Chief executive Omar Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.New part owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe said making decisions was all down to them. Meanwhile, Jason Wilcox thought it was all a mess under previous boss Erik ten Hag but was part of the team that encouraged him to stay after every other candidate ran for cover.There is word Ashworth did not favour appointing his successor and new head coach Ruben Amorim, preferring an English manager with more experience in our game. Perhaps that was why ex-England gaffer Gareth Southgate’s name was always mentioned after they worked together at the FA.Either way, Saturday’s showing against Nottingham Forest, after their second-half capitulation at Arsenal a few days previously, proved too much.The pair worked together at West Brom for three years.Garlick was legal director at The Hawthorns and worked under Ashworth before replacing him as the club’s sporting director when he left to join the FA in 2013.Man Utd cult hero Nani announces retirement with emotional video after tragic death of his fatherEverton are also monitoring Ashworth as they wait for The Friedkin Group to complete a takeover.The club’s prospective new owners are in the process of conducting a structural review, which will lead to new appointments including a chief executive and technical director.SunSport can reveal Ashworth’s axe will also open the door to further cuts at United.Ashworth fought against too many cutbacks despite Ratcliffe wanting more.In total, 250 staff have been made redundant.But that is not the end as Carrington is set to be targeted again — with the academy and women’s footballing section likely to be streamlined. More

A HUGE brawl erupted at the London Stadium after West Ham edged past Wolves in the Premier League El Sackico on Monday night.Hammers captain and match-winner Jarrod Bowen was thrown to the turf as tensions boiled over after an emotional night for West Ham.A huge brawl erupted at the end of West Ham’s 2-1 win over WolvesSkippers Jarrod Bowen and Mario Lemina grappled at full-timeLemina pulled Bowen to the turfBowen got up to confront Lemina againBowen held Michail Antonio’s shirt aloft after his goalThe handbags came out at full time after Mario Lemina refused to shake Bowen’s hand.It caused both skippers to square up to each other and get involved in a grappling contest.Bowen appeared to say: “Shake my hand” several times, before shoving Lemina back and grabbing him by the scruff of the neck.Lemina in turn snatched onto Bowen’s shirt and flipped the England winger onto the grass.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSPlayers from both sides rushed in and there was chaos on the pitch as West Ham celebrated a hugely important victory.Bowen and Lemina were both subsequently booked by ref John Brooks after VAR had checked for violent conduct.An enraged Lemina even pushed his own team-mate Toti Gomes and Wolves coaching staff member Shaun Derry.Both were trying to calm the Wolves captain down – as was West Ham star Jean-Clair Todibo.Most read in FootballThe Gabonese international was left fuming at full-timeLemina was pulled away by the Wolves coaching staffFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSGary O’Neil said post-match: “Mario was annoyed with one of the West Ham players. His team-mates and Shaun tried to calm him down.”The last thing we need is him getting a suspension. He’s important to us.”West Ham fans pay emotional tribute to Michail Antonio with ninth-minute applauseLemina’s frustration comes after Wolves felt aggrieved by THREE VAR decisions.O’Neil’s side had a penalty appeal turned down by on-field officials and VAR after Emerson felled Goncalo Guedes.Explaining the decision, the Premier League match centre tweeted: “The referee’s call of no penalty for the challenge by Emerson on Guedes was checked and confirmed by VAR, deeming that the contact was outside the box.”And Konstantinos Mavropanos appeared to foul Hugo Bueno in the build-up before Bowen put West Ham back in front.And Jamie Carragher agreed saying: “How is that not a foul?” before the home side’s winner.Wolves then had another penalty appeal turned down after Mavropanos felled Bellegarde.Fans at home were left fuming after believing that Tomas Soucek’s headed opener came after West Ham were awarded a corner incorrectly as the ball came off Aaron Wan-Bissaka.Mohammed Kudus also had two goals ruled out for offside.West Ham players wore Michail Antonio shirts ahead of their clash with WolvesEvery player wore Antonio’s name and numberBoth Julen Lopetegui and O’Neil came into the match on the brink of the sack.After last week’s thumping at Everton, O’Neil talked as if he would be gone by the morning, and now it seems inevitable after coming on the wrong side of ‘El Sackico’.Wolves sit 19th in the Prem, having won just two of 15 games this season.Meanwhile, West Ham, who are 14th, climbed one point behind Man Utd in the table.The Hammers showed their support to Michail Antonio following his car accident on Saturday, with both Soucek and Bowen paying tribute to him with their goal celebrations.Before the game, West Ham players warmed up in replicas of his shirt, while the crowd chanted his name at kick-off and again nine minutes into the game.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe team’s match-worn shirts are also being auctioned off to raise money for the NHS and Air Ambulances UK Charity.Soucek later revealed the West Ham players had a video call with Antonio before the game.Tomas Soucek put up nine fingers in honour of West Ham no.9 Antonio More

JULEN LOPETEGUI may well have seen off Gary O’Neil, but could soon be joining him at the job centre.After last week’s thumping at Everton, O’Neil talked as if he would be gone by the morning and now this is surely it having come out on the wrong side of ‘El Sackico’.Jarrod Bowen held Michail Antonio’s shirt aloft after his goalCredit: GettyTomas Soucek also paid tribute to his stricken team-mateCredit: ReutersThe West Ham captain spoke highly of Antonio before kick-offCredit: AFPJarrod Bowen may have sealed his fate, bagging a winner after Matt Doherty had cancelled out Tomas Soucek’s opener.Both West Ham’s goalscorers celebrated by paying tribute to Michail Antonio after his horror car crash on Saturday.The disappointment boiled over within the Wolves squad at full-time as Mario Lemina sparked a row with Bowen by refusing to shake his hand before shoving his own team-mates and a member of the club staff.The only silver lining for Wolves was that they did not ship four – as they had done in the two before arriving in London.READ MORE IN FOOTBALLLopetegui, having lasted longer than expected with a stay of execution last week, will hope this can be a turning point.Though it was not a victory won with free-flowing, buccaneering football.There was a smart, low, finish from Bowen, but little happened by design and the expectation in the West Ham boardroom is that Lopetegui will not see out the season.A win over Wolves, now second from bottom, proves little.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSthe-sun-22-23-momentum-f3c6b041-3cc5-4d76-8d53-91f3e2bfe346The contest, and the futures of the two managers overseeing it, felt far less significant in the early stages.Supporters sang Antonio’s name inside the first minute and then all stood to applaud throughout the ninth minute, with the travelling fans and Lopetegui joining in.West Ham stars pay tribute to Antonio with special shirts after pal’s horror crashThe emotion had certainly taken the edge off of a West Ham fanbase who decided to stick with the squad rather than express their frustrations.There was no collective anger aimed at Lopetegui or the ownership, who had come close to sacking the Spaniard last week but delayed.It took 20 minutes for the two sides to settle and the focus to shift to the football and what was at stake.Joao Gomes found space on the edge of the West Ham box to collect a bouncing ball but his shot was straight at Lukasz Fabianski, the Hammers goalkeeper.Neither side had a firm grasp and were relying on a touch of chance to create something.Bowen raced in behind to chase a deflected ball and saw his strike saved by Sam Johnstone as frustration spread through the London Stadium.Wolves fans aimed a dig at former boss Lopetegui, who kept them up before leaving just days before a new season, and some Hammers supporters joined in.The fate of Wolves each week largely hangs on whether Matheus Cunha is having a good day or not.He sent a low shot to the corner of the West Ham goal which had Fabianski stretching but hardly troubled.It turned into an end-to-end affair which exposed exactly why both O’Neil and Lopetegui are not long for their posts.The two defences were offering gaping holes, though neither forward line could truly take advantage.Carlos Soler and Gomes both wasted huge chances, the Wolves man missing a tap in from yards out.The hosts had a chance to build up a head of steam, but all they could muster was Konstantinos Mavropanos hooking well over the bar.No one looked confident on the ball or played with any conviction.The visitors managed to leave Soucek, the most obvious threat at a set piece, completely free at the far post.He waited for Bowen’s in-swinging corner to drop onto his head and nodded it back across goal, watching it loop into the far post.Mohammed Kudus then had the ball in the back of the net, but saw it ruled out for offside – the first of two on the night.O’Neil sent on Goncalo Guedes and Jean-Ricner Bellegarde to try and salvage the game.The former added life. He should have been awarded a penalty for a shove by Emerson and then helped set up the leveller.Guedes slipped a ball down the left for Ait-Nouri whose cross was placed bang on the penalty spot, where Doherty arrived sliding and finished first time.O’Neil barely even celebrated – instead choosing to berate referee John Brooks for not awarding the penalty.One last parting shot at officials, who have caused him so much grief at Wolves.His reprieve here did not last long, either.READ MORE SUN STORIESAfter sending a deep free kick into the Wolves box, which they struggled to clear, Bowen moved to the edge of the box, cut inside Guedes and picked out the far corner.The England man held Antonio’s shirt aloft, in a final reminder of what was more important than which manager left with a smile. More

CRISTIAN ROMERO appeared to aim a dig at Tottenham chiefs as he claimed the club “could easily” compete for the title.The defender pointed to investment from other clubs and how that has improved results on the pitch.Cristian Romero hinted at who is to blame for Tottenham’s misfortunesCredit: GettyChelsea, who came from behind to beat Tottenham 4-3 on Sunday, are one example Romero pointed to.Romero was forced off in that clash just 15 minutes into his return from a toe injury as he felt a problem in his thigh.The Argentine has now voiced his concerns at Spurs and hinted the problem does not lie with the players or the manager.As reported by talkSPORT, he said: “The truth is, I would say no comment, but… Manchester City competes every year, you see how Liverpool strengthens its squad, Chelsea strengthens their squad, doesn’t do well, strengthens again, and now they’re seeing results.READ MORE IN FOOTBALL”Those are the things to imitate. You have to realise that something is going wrong, hopefully, they realise it.”The last few years, it’s always the same: first, the players, then the coaching staff changes, and it’s always the same people responsible.”Hopefully, they realise who the true responsible ones are, and we move forward because it’s a beautiful club that, with the structure it has, could easily be competing for the title every year.”Pressure is growing on boss Ange Postecoglou with Spurs languishing in 11th after just one win in five Premier League games.Most read in FootballBEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSBut after his side threw away a 2-0 goal lead against Chelsea, it was midfielder Yves Bissouma who shouldered the blame for the defeat after he gave away a penalty for Blues’ third goal.He wrote on social media: “I’m so sad for that mistake. It’s burning me because we lost the game today from this mistake.Jadon Sancho throws corner flag during Chelsea’s celebration at Tottenham “I feel sorry for my teammates, staff, and fans. I take all the responsibility for that one.”l’ll learn from this one. It’s time now to show the real me.”Thanks for all the support.” More

AXED Dan Ashworth drew up a four-man shortlist to replace Erik ten Hag – and Ruben Amorim was reportedly NOT included.The sporting director left Manchester United after just five months in his role, in what has been a farcical season for the Red Devils.Dan Ashworth’s four-man list of replacements for Erik ten Hag was rejected by United chiefsRuben Amorim was reportedly not favoured by AshworthBrentford manager Thomas Frank was among Ashworth’s top contendersAshworth, 53, was given the boot less than an hour after United’s 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford on Saturday.And it has since been revealed by sources close to The Athletic that Ashworth wasn’t keen on Amorim’s appointment.Instead the former Newcastle and West Brom director wanted an English manager with more experience in the domestic game.He had a list and those he did propose had at one thing Amorin didn’t – Premier League experience.READ MORE FOOTBALL NEWSThe first two names included were Eddie Howe, despite the picture not always being rosy at Newcastle, as well as Fulham’s Marco Silva.The next two, Brentford manager Thomas Frank and ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter, who could have come in possibly as an interim until the end of the season.Potter is now reportedly willing to temporarily take over at West Ham should Julen Lopetegui be sacked this week, according to talkSPORT.But co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe wanted to hear more adventurous ideas from the man they gave Newcastle £2.5million for, and away from the people Ashworth already knew. Most read in FootballFOOTBALL FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALSBut the sporting operation expert allegedly didn’t provide clear, compelling arguments for who to bring in.It’s perhaps far from a coincidence that there was nothing from Ashworth on the official announcement of Amorim.Sporting Director Dan Ashworth talks about his job at Newcastle United Ashworth had been quoted on Ten Hag’s contract extension and every signing brought in during the summer.According to The Athletic, Ashworth was said to have had little input on selecting Amorim as United’s boss, with CEO Omar Berrada a major influence on the Portuguese getting the job. It was Berrada who flew to Lisbon when Ten Hag was sacked to negotiate with Sporting president Frederico Varandas face-to-face.But it should be noted that Berrada went because he, rather than Ashworth, knew the people at Sporting.Ashworth pointed to Marco Silva’s Premier League experience at FulhamUnited’s summer transfer signingsArrivals:Leny Yoro (Lille) – £52mManuel Ugarte (PSG) – £50mMatthijs De Ligt (Bayern) – £43mJoshua Zirkzee (Bologna) – £36.5mNoussair Mazraoui (Bayern) – £16mSekou Kone (Guidars) – £1mSunSport also exclusively revealed three weeks ago that United’s new hierarchy were locked in a blame game over their summer business, and who decided to extend Ten Hag’s contract only for the Dutchman to be sacked 14 games later.Berrada and Ashworth were trying to wash their hands of it all, claiming they had arrived too late after serving their gardening leave.But their denied involvement irritated Ratcliffe, who said making decisions was all down to them.The Red Devils co-owner, who bought a 27.7 per cent stake, also revealed “it’s not my decision” before Ten Hag was given the boot.Ashworth’s departure was instigated by those at the top of the club.The sense among staff is a joint decision between Ratcliffe, Berrada, Sir Dave Brailsford and co-owner Joel Glazer.Newcastle boss Eddie Howe was named on Ashworth’s shortlistThe sporting director also named ex-Chelsea boss Graham Potter ahead of AmorimTension was also apparent when Ashworth proposed bringing in a data company to evaluate the candidates to replace Ten Hag.Ratcliffe was said to have reacted badly, countering that it was Ashworth’s job to know such matters rather than outsource it.Eyebrows were also raised when Ashworth took a holiday on Amorim’s second day at Carrington. There were mitigating circumstances, with Ashworth marking a significant family event having postponed previous attempts for work reasons. READ MORE SUN STORIESHis absence, around the same time, from November’s executive committee meeting was however seen by some as a further indication all was not well. Ashworth had attended the ExCo summit in October at Ineos headquarters in London, as well as the previous one in Barcelona.Sir Jim Ratcliffe has played a huge role in the boardroom shake-upWho is Dan Ashworth?DAN ASHWORTH is a true footballing man who has progressed through the game’s ranks all the way from player to club director.He never made it to the top as a player, instead featuring for a number of non-league sides and in the US.After hanging up his boots he quickly moved into the backroom, landing his first job at Peterborough.His big break came at West Brom, before he moved on to the Three Lions job where he was instrumental in creating ‘England’s DNA’.Two roles with Premier League clubs followed before Man Utd swooped in the summer.So what’s next for Ashworth?READ HIS FULL STORY HERE: More