Former Man Utd sporting director Dan Ashworth set for shock return in new role with the FA seven months after his costly £4.1m departure from Old Trafford

Former United sporting director Ashworth is set to be unveiled as the Football Association's new head of elite men's and women's development in his first major role since leaving Old Trafford seven months ago. The 54-year-old spent five months with the Red Devils after INEOS poached him from Premier League rivals Newcastle, but his stay was a short one and came at an estimated cost of £4.1m.

Ashworth previously enjoyed success with Brighton and Newcastle, helping to complete deals for stars like Alexander Isak, Moises Caicedo, Alexis Mac Allister and Leandro Trossard, but this new role will see him take control of a variety of different areas within the FA. He will oversee the men's and women's teams at senior and junior level and offer insight into growing the amount of pathways into football for aspiring coaches, according to The Telegraph.

England's youth teams won two World Cups and a European Championship during Ashworth's first spell with the FA, while both the senior men's and women's teams became more consistent performers at major tournaments.

Ashworth is expected to be unveiled in his new role imminently, while United are still dealing with the aftershock of new investment from Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS. The Red Devils are 16th in the Premier League but can still end the season with silverware if they beat Tottenham in the Europa League final.