Premier League giants Manchester United have shockingly announced that sporting director Dan Ashworth will be leaving the club after just five months on the job.
The announcement comes a day after United suffered a 3-2 home defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest, which was the second this week following Wednesday's loss to corner kick specialists Arsenal.
"Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement," the club said in a statement released on their website.
"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's departure comes just five months after he was poached from Premier League rivals Newcastle United by Jim Ratcliffe's INEOS, who took charge over the football operations at the Glazer family-owned club. He was brought in and expected to work closely alongside Sir Dave Brailsford and new CEO OmarBerrada.
Ashworth was reportedly involved in appointing Ruben Amorim as the new head coach following the sacking of Erik ten Hag. And in the off-season, he is thought to have played a big role in the club's decision to retain the services of Ten Hag.
He was also heavily involved in the club spending around £200 million on signings like Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Mattijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee.
IOL Sport