Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth has lasted less than six months in the role, with the club confirming his exit in a brief statement over the weekend
Dan Ashworth during his time at Manchester United
Dan Ashworth's Manchester United spell lasted just five months (
Image: MUFC/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Dan Ashworth watched Manchester United's defeat against Nottingham Forest with his family before being summoned for his brutal sacking, it has been claimed.
Sporting director Ashworth was dismissed by United just five months after joining from Newcastle United. He oversaw just one transfer window of business, and was also in place for the backing and subsequent sacking of manager Erik ten Hag.
It has been a difficult season for United on the pitch. Ten Hag was sacked with the club in the bottom half of the table with just 11 points from nine matches, and they have taken four points from four games under the Dutchman's permanent successor Ruben Amorim.
Amorim suffered a second straight league loss on Saturday, with individual errors costing United in their 3-2 reverse against Nuno Espirito Santo's team. After the game, though, things got even worse for Ashworth.
According to the Mail, United CEO Omar Berrada summoned Ashworth from the directors' box to give him the news. The former Newcastle chief had been at the game with his family as goals from Nikola Milenkovic, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood handed United a defeat.
The same publication reports that part-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford made the decision in consultation with long-time board member Joel Glazer. Ashworth is expected to receive a reduced pay-off by virtue of having been in the role for less than six months, with the club not said to be looking immediately for a direct replacement.
"Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United by mutual agreement," United said in a statement about the exit. "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."
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Ashworth was given the bad news after Manchester United lost to Nottingham Forest (
Image:
Getty Images)
On the pitch, head coach Amorim continues to work on identifying his best starting XI. The former Sporting CP boss has used 22 players since taking charge, and spoke about the situation after Saturday's defeat.
"Of course, every day, you learn a lot," he said. "The best team also depends on the opposition. You have to understand the opposition to put the right players with the right characteristics for every game. I know better our players and that is most important."
While recognising there's work to do, the 39-year-old is confident he'll get things right. "I think everybody here has experienced ups and downs in football. You have to continue your job, doing the same things, being really convinced of your way," he added.
"I'm really convinced of that. It's really hard to lose games. I know the public and the fans want to win. It's a long time without winning, without that feeling. We're in a long journey and we're going to do it."
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