Former West Brom transfer guru back in headlines as Man United figures revealed

Widely regarded as arguably the best technical director in the country, the ex-Baggies man was plucked from Newcastle United after the Old Trafford club paid a substantial sum for his services.

He was set to be tasked with turning around the former multiple title winners - but his tenure turned into a bit of nightmare.

His time at Old Trafford came amid reported boardroom disagreements - and he was sacked by co-owner Sir Jim Radcliffe.

Now new figures from United have laid bare the eye watering sums that the move for Ashworth cost the club - following his quick sacking.

The figures released this week show that Ashworth was paid £4.1m in compensation following his dismissal by Radcliffe.

The former Baggies man is currently out of work following his departure from Old Trafford - but still has a reputation as one of the best operators in the business.

The ex-academy manager at The Hawthorns, Peace was instilled as technical director, one of the first in the country, by former Baggies owner Jeremy Peace.

He went on to excel in the role, setting the foundations for Albion to spend eight years in the Premier League. He is still held in high regard by Albion fans for his first class recruitment, picking up unknown foreign talents and turning them in to key players at Albion.

He outlined some of the work he carried out during his successful spell at West Brom, when he appeared on a guest episode of the Express & Star's Baggies Broadcast podcast.

He departed the club to take up a role with the FA, and played a key role in helping to make England a force in international football under Gareth Southgate.

Ashworth then went on to impress during his time as technical director at Brighton, before being taken to Newcastle United.