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Manchester United’s sporting director Dan Ashworth met members of the women’s team on Friday amidst a turbulent summer for the side.
United have been criticised in the past few weeks for their treatment of Marc Skinner and his players.
The FA Cup winners have undergone a mass exodus of stars, with the likes of Mary Earps, club captain Katie Zeleme, Irene Guerrero and Lucia Garcia all leaving.
United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe courted controversy when he admitted in an interview that INEOS did not have a definitive plan in place for the women’s team.
This was followed by a shocking revelation that the women’s team would be moved out of their state-of-the-art training facility to make space for the men’s team, whose Carrington facilities are currently undergoing a £50m refurbishment.
It was stated that United Women were set to be placed into portable buildings that would house the changing rooms, team meeting rooms, office spaces and communal areas. A report covered by The Peoples Person claimed that the Red Devils were exploring the option of temporarily having the women’s team train from St George’s Park.
However, United relayed some good news on Friday as the club confirmed that Ashworth met with the women’s players and staff before training at St George’s Park.
United shared pictures on their website of Ashworth giving a speech and shaking hands with stars such as Ella Toone and Millie Turner.
Sporting Director Dan Ashworth met with players and staff today, and gave a speech ahead of training at St. George’s Park 🤝#MUWomen pic.twitter.com/lnv5znwSrP
— Manchester United Women (@ManUtdWomen) August 9, 2024
According to Emma Sanders of BBC, “He [Ashworth] watched their session, listened in on the morning briefing and then delivered a talk to all members of the squad. In his speech, he re-emphasised his commitment to women’s football.”
“He referenced his work at previous clubs Brighton and Newcastle which included the creation of a purpose-built training ground at the Elite Football Performance Centre in Lancing, and overseeing Newcastle Women’s transition to a full-time model.”
“Ashworth also spoke about his time working within the FA – where he was director of elite development – and how he saw first-hand the success of women’s football in the country.”
“Amid a summer of uncertainty and restlessness at the club following their decision to move the women out of their training facility to make way for the men’s first team, this was a well-received gesture by Ashworth, with players and staff said to be encouraged by his words.”
In an open letter addressed to United fans last month, Ashworth outlined his vision for delivering a successful women’s team. The 53-year-old certainly seems to be walking his talk.
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