Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has left Old Trafford after just five months in the role.
The former Newcastle and England director left after a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada - who also arrived this summer - at Old Trafford on Saturday night (local time). Not long before that, Man United suffered a disappointing 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest in the 15th round of the Premier League.
Co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe played a key role in the decision. Ashworth's departure is said to be mutually beneficial for all parties. Meanwhile, technical director Jason Wilcox remains at the club.
A Man United statement said: "Dan Ashworth will leave his role as Manchester United's sporting director by mutual consent. We would like to thank Dan Ashworth for his work and support during this transition period for the club. We wish him well for the future."
Ashworth was a long-term target for Ratcliffe after he bought Man United. After a long period of negotiations with his former club Newcastle, Ashworth was allowed to leave St James' Park and move to Old Trafford.
The Magpies initially demanded £20m to allow Ashworth to leave, but eventually agreed a compensation package worth around £2-3m.
A statement from both clubs in July read: "Newcastle and Manchester United have reached an agreement for the immediate release of Dan Ashworth from his contractual obligations at Newcastle.
The terms of the deal remain confidential between the clubs. Newcastle thanks Dan Ashworth for his contribution and wishes him well for the future."
Although the "Red Devils" were delighted to have Ashworth, there were suggestions that the transition did not go as smoothly as expected, as Man United seemed to be the ones actively pushing for his departure.
Ashworth left immediately after the shock 3-2 defeat to Nottingham Forest, The Athletic reports, with the 53-year-old having had a huge impact on the Red Devils’ transfer business this summer.
Man United have spent around £200m on five new players, including expensive signings such as Leny Yoro, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs de Ligt and Joshua Zirkzee. However, that spending has not contributed to improving the team's performance so far.
Man United are not the only Premier League club to part ways with their sporting director this season. Edu also left Arsenal in a surprising way at the start of the season.
