Man Utd confirm Dan Ashworth departure after five months

Manchester United have confirmed the departure of sporting director Dan Ashworth after just five months at Old Trafford.

Reports on Sunday morning revealed that Ashworth, who arrived from Newcastle United in the summer, would leave the club following a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada. His spell at Old Trafford spanned just five months after a lengthy spell of gardening leave at his former club postponed his arrival in Manchester.

United have now confirmed this decision themselves, submitting a brief statement on their club website.

"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."

During Ashworth's spell at United, the club sacked former boss Erik ten Hag and welcomed new head coach Ruben Amorim. The sporting director played a part in football performance, recruitment and operations while employed at the club - welcoming the summer arrivals of Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Joshua Zirkzee.

United have not yet confirmed which direction they will go in now Ashworth has departed, but they will undoubtedly need to fill the huge gap left by their former sporting director.

The club sit in 13th in the Premier League after two loses, a win and a draw under new head coach Amorim.

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