Dan Ashworth: Ex-Manchester United and Newcastle sporting director set for FA return

As first reported by the Telegraph, John McDermott, the FA’s men’s technical director, is to remain in his position.

The FA has declined to comment.

In February, it was established through United’s accounts that hiring and firing Ashworth cost £4.1m, but the club have not said if there would be any reduction in that figure if he returned to the FA.

In an interview with BBC Sport earlier this year, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe called hiring Ashworth “an error on our part”.

It was also revealed in February that Ashworth was working with Warwickshire County Cricket Club, advising on performance strategy.

However, sources told BBC Sport this was a continuation of a voluntary role he took up with the club in 2021, and that it remained an unpaid position.