Dan Ashworth might have just explained one reason why Erik ten Hag was not sacked by Man United

Erik ten Hag’s job at Manchester United was declared safe before Dan Ashworth arrived as new sporting director but four days later, the manager agreed a contract extension.

Ashworth, as he was prised out of gardening leave at Newcastle United, would have at least been briefed about why Ineos felt it was appropriate to keep the Dutchman on and then offer an extra 12 months on his deal.

The former Brighton and FA chief will oversee the manager role from here on in and reality says that the contract extension means little should Ten Hag perform poorly once more in the opening months of the season. Because this time there will be little excuse.

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United have a new board steeped in industry-acclaimed reputation, led by a billionaire who is a lifelong fan and already has experience of running a football club. Transfer objectives are being ticked off and United will almost certainly not have as injury-stricken a season again this time around as they did last.

After a morbid campaign, the final three games of the season - namely the FA Cup final - proved vital in Ten Hag saving his job. A 3-2 win over Newcastle and a solid 2-0 triumph at Brighton in the league scraped together fragments of belief ahead of the trip to Wembley.

The showpiece was effectively a free hit after recording their worst ever Premier League finish, with Manchester City coming in on the back of lifting a record straight fourth title. What followed was the shock of the season.

Ashworth made reference to the Wembley win in his first open letter to United supporters this week,