Former Man United youth star denied dream return to membership in backroom function after Dan Ashworth’s shock sacking
- Dan Ashworth had lined up a new loans manager for Manchester United
- But Michael Appleton may move on to a managerial role after his denial
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Dan Ashworth’s shock sacking at Manchester United has had a knock-on effect with Michael Appleton no longer rejoining his old club as loans manager.
Ashworth had lined up Appleton to succeed Les Parry in the loans department, and possibly take on a coaching role, after he moved from Newcastle to become United’s new sporting director in July.
Speculation that Appleton could be appointed to oversee United’s young players on loan at other clubs grew in October when he was spotted sitting alongside Ashworth and technical director Jason Wilcox at Salford City’s Peninsula Stadium where the Under-21s were playing Hertha Berlin in the Premier League International Cup.
But Ashworth was axed in December after just five months in the job, and that has put paid to Appleton’s chances of rejoining United where he started out in the 1990s at the club’s academy.
The 49-year-old former Portsmouth, Blackpool, Blackburn and Lincoln boss is now looking to return to management, a year after leaving Charlton Athletic.
A source close to him said: ‘I understand that following the departure of Dan Ashworth, Michael Appleton will not be joining Manchester United in a loans/coaching role, and will be looking to continue his management and coaching career.’
Former Man United youth player Michael Appleton will not become the club’s loan manager after the sacking of Dan Ashworth
Ashworth was axed in December after just five months as United’s sporting director
