Dan Ashworth LEAVES Man Utd after only five months as sporting director in shock blow to INEOS rebuild

The Athletic were first to report on Sunday that Ashworth had left United after just five months. The sporting director joined the club after a lengthy period of gardening leave with Newcastle, with United paying around £3 million to appoint him. He was heavily involved in United's summer recruitment but the report claims that the club instigated his departure, although all parties claim that the separation was eventually mutual.

Shortly after The Athletic's report became public, United released a statement which read: "Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement. We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well for the future."

Ashworth had been in charge of United's football performance, recruitment, and operations, but his exit has been overseen by chief executive Omar Berrada. He will now likely need to be replaced, although it remains to be seen if Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS will be able to source a replacement quickly.

United spent around £200m ($280m) in the summer but they have underperformed and sacked Erik ten Hag earlier this season; on Saturday, the Red Devils lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest under new boss Ruben Amorim, their second successive defeat in the top-flight.

United play Viktoria Plzen in the Europa League in midweek before a Premier League clash with bitter rivals Manchester City next weekend.