Manchester United’s Premier League campaign has been nothing short of disastrous, with the club sitting in 16th place after a string of poor results.
Having lost 17 league games this season, the Red Devils are firmly in crisis mode, both on and off the pitch.
| Position | Team | Played MP |
Won W |
Drawn D |
Lost L |
For GF |
Against GA |
Diff GD |
Points Pts |
| 15 |  |
36 | 10 | 10 | 16 | 42 | 59 | -17 | 40 |
| 16 |  |
36 | 10 | 9 | 17 | 42 | 53 | -11 | 39 |
While their European run has offered a glimmer of hope — including a commanding 7-1 aggregate win over Athletic Bilbao to reach the final — it has done little to mask the underwhelming nature of their overall season.
With the Europa League final now representing their only realistic shot at silverware and Champions League qualification, pressure is mounting. All eyes are on Ruben Amorim, who has been critical of Man United of late.
But questions are being asked of INEOS and the instability behind the scenes, with Gary Neville now sharing a theory regarding Dan Ashworth’s sudden exit from the club.
Gary Neville on why he thinks Dan Ashworth left Manchester United
Since INEOS took control of football operations in February, major changes have been underway at Old Trafford.
Among the most high-profile was the appointment of Dan Ashworth as sporting director, brought in from Newcastle with the expectation of leading United’s long-term rebuild.
However, just four months into the role, Ashworth unexpectedly departed, reportedly due to tensions with the club’s leadership.
Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, Neville suggested that Ashworth’s preference for a British manager like Gareth Southgate may have conflicted with Manchester United’s leadership.
Reflecting on Ian Wright’s comment that Southgate would face heavy criticism if he were managing United in their current state, Neville remarked: “It’s maybe why Dan [Ashworth] left. It might be why Dan left.”
INEOS’ time at Manchester United so far
Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s purchase of a 27.7% stake in Manchester United for £1.25 billion marked a significant power shift at the club, transferring football operations away from the Glazers.
But their tenure has been anything but smooth, with Sir Jim Ratcliffe making a number of controversial decisions behind the scenes.
Ashworth’s shock departure was the first major indicator of unrest behind the scenes.
Seen as a cornerstone of INEOS’s vision, his sudden exit hinted at a deeper lack of alignment on United’s future direction.
It was also reported that Ashworth was excluded from key decisions—especially regarding Ruben Amorim—which strained his relationship with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and CEO Omar Berrada, ultimately resulting in a £4.1 million contract termination.
INEOS have also implemented a series of cost-cutting measures that have not gone down well internally.
Several long-serving staff members have been let go, and even United’s staff Christmas party was cancelled in a bid to reduce expenses — moves that many view as tone-deaf amid continued struggles on the pitch.
On the pitch, INEOS have spent over £230 million on transfers, marking a significant investment in reshaping the squad.
However, big-money signings have yet to make the desired impact, and results have not reflected the level of investment.
With INEOS now looking to sell French club OGC Nice, attention is expected to shift fully to Manchester United.
The upcoming summer transfer window will be critical, with the club planning a significant overhaul of the squad.
The hierarchy has reportedly decided to back Ruben Amorim as their long-term managerial choice — but whether he can turn the tide at Old Trafford remains to be seen.
