Dan Ashworth
Dan Ashworth left Manchester United following a crisis meeting on Saturday evening
Dan Ashworth 's exit from Manchester United was decided during a crisis meeting with CEO Omar Berrada following the club's 3-2 defeat by Nottingham Forest.
Ashworth only arrived at Old Trafford in July and had only been five months into his role after long period of gardening leave at Newcastle United.
He was involved in a busy summer of heavy spending as Manuel Ugarte, Leny Yoro, Noussair Mazraoui, Mattijs de Ligt, Joshua Zirkzee all arrived for around £200million.
But according to the Athletic, his transition to the club "has not been smooth". His role at the club has not worked in tandem with Sir Jim Ratcliffe's hierarchy, which is led by Sir Dave Brailsford and Berrada.
[
Dan Ashworth LEAVES Man Utd after just five months as Newcastle move backfires](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/breaking-dan-ashworth-leaves-manutd-34271907)
Ratcliffe himself was pivotal in the decision to part ways with Ashworth, which was "instagated by United" despite the club claiming his departure was mutual.
It comes just weeks before the January transfer window, a period where United are expected to be busy as they look to bolster Ruben Amorim's squad amid a difficult season so far.
The club released a brief 41-word statement on Sunday morning confirming Ashworth's exit after initial reports he would be leaving Old Trafford.
"Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement," it read. "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."
CEO Omar Berrada (middle left) and Dan Ashworth (middle right)
Ashworth's transition into life at United was "not smooth" and his exit was confirmed following a meeting with CEO Omar Berrada (middle left)
United forked out around £3m to bring Ashworth from Newcastle after extensive negotiations with the Magpies. He had told the club he wanted to move to Old Trafford in February this year and had to wait until the summer before it was finalised.
It was thought Ratcliffe was previously a big admirer of Ashworth after praising him ahead of his move to United in February. He said at the time: "Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world. I have no doubt he is a very capable person. He would be a very good addition."
Join our new MAN UTD WhatsApp communityand receive your daily dose of Manchester United content from Mirror Football. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.