Diogo Dalot after Manchester United's defeat against Nottingham Forest
Manchester United were beaten by Nottingham Forest on Saturday
Manchester United's need for reinforcements became more noticeable after Saturday's defeat to Nottingham Forest, but it's not only on the pitch where changes are likely to be afoot.
Sporting director Dan Ashworth has left the club after just five months, with United confirming the news on Sunday morning. The former Newcastle chief joined over the summer and was in position for a busy transfer window, but things haven't gone according to plan.
Attention may now turn to United's part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as the club decides how to respond to Ashworth's exit. On the field, meanwhile, it remains to be seen how much freedom new head coach Ruben Amorim will have to add to his ranks.
The 3-2 defeat against Forest leaves United down in 13th, some eight points adrift of the Champions League spots. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around Old Trafford at a critical time for the Red Devils.
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Dan Ashworth 'got escorted out of Old Trafford' before Man Utd exit was announced](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/dan-ashworth-man-utd-ratcliffe-34272646)
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Sir Jim Ratcliffe's prediction on Dan Ashworth comes back to haunt him after Man Utd exit](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/jimratcliffe-prediction-danashworth-exit-manutd-34272513)
Potential Ashworth replacement emerges
Dougie Freedman is a front-runner to replace Dan Ashworth after the United chief's exit. Former Scotland striker Freedman has been linked with the role before, and at the time of writing is a 2/1 favourite with BonusCodeBets
Freedman currently serves as sporting director at Crystal Palace, where he previously enjoyed spells as player and manager. He returned to the Eagles in 2017 and has overseen significant transfer business, helping bring the likes of Ebere Eze and the recently-departed Michael Olise to Selhurst Park.
"Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement," United wrote in a short statement after the shock departure. "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."
David keen on Premier League
Canadian frontman Jonathan David would favour a Premier League move if and when he leaves Lille, according to CaughtOffside. The 24-year-old is out of contract in the summer, and is not expected to remain in France.
Manchester United and Arsenal have both been linked with the hotshot, who joined his current club from Gent in 2020. Inter Milan are also said to be keen, while Barcelona have also been mentioned in connection with Canada's all-time record scorer.
Would Jonathan David be a good fit for Manchester United? Have your say in the comments section
Jonathan David is expected to leave Lille in 2025 ( Image: Getty Images)
David helped Lille win Ligue 1 in 2020-21, scoring 13 league goals in the campaign. He brought up 100 for Les Dogues this term, also scoring the winner against Real Madrid in the Champions League in October.
Hojlund makes Amorim assessment
Manchester United striker Rasmus Hojlund has admitted Ruben Amorim's tactical tweaks have been a lot to take in. Amorim preferred a 3-4-3 setup at previous club Sporting Lisbon, and has attempted to repeat the trick with United's current squad until he's able to add new faces in January.
"It's a lot to take in but we need to deal with it, we are Manchester United and we need to do better," the Dane said after Saturday's defeat. "There's a lot of games left but it's not an ideal situation, but we need to try and stay positive."
United fell behind inside two minutes as Nikola Milenkovic pounced, with Hojlund briefly bringing the hosts all square. Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood both struck early in the second period, though, with Bruno Fernandes' goal too little, too late.
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