Gary Neville pictured in 2024
Gary Neville has been speaking about Manchester United's recent behaviour
Manchester United's issues this season haven't just been on the field, but there has been plenty of disruption in the lead-up to Thursday's Europa League match against Viktoria Plzen.
Ruben Amorim suffered his second defeat in a row on Saturday, with individual errors playing their part against Nottingham Forest. The following morning, the news broke that sporting director Dan Ashworth was leaving the club after just five months - and just a few weeks before the January transfer window opens.
While the main priority will be the midweek trip to Czechia, some around the club will have half an eye on January. It remains to be seen whether Amorim is backed in the market as he looks to get his squad in shape to climb the table, but players have been linked.
We've also got a bit more fallout from the Ashworth exit, with plenty of observers having their say. Here are Mirror Football's latest lines from around Old Trafford.
Dan Ashworth 'set Man Utd back a year' with axed director's only transfer window
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'Nani threw me under the bus at Man Utd - Sir Alex Ferguson nearly exploded with anger'](https://www.mirror.co.uk/sport/football/news/manchester-united-alex-ferguson-nani-34277694)
Pogba prediction made
Paul Pogba is a free agent after leaving Juventus, and has been linked with a third spell at Manchester United. The French midfielder, who can play again after a drugs ban was cut short on appeal, made his professional debut with the English club and made more than 200 first-team appearances after rejoining in a club record move in 2016.
Pogba's compatriot Louis Saha was asked about another Old Trafford move for the midfielder, and the former United striker can see it happening. "I've heard some rumours that Paul Pogba will be offered the opportunity to come back and train with Man Utd in the New Year, and I think that would be a great opportunity for Paul," Saha told Casino Utan Spelpaus.
"He needs to get back to his best level as quickly as possible, and training with top players will help him to do that. I think he would be thrilled to have the opportunity to go back to the club."
Neville slams United for Ashworth statement
Former Manchester United captain Gary Neville wasn't delighted by the manner of the club's announcement over Dan Ashworth's exit. United confirmed the departure of the sporting director with a brief 41-word statement, not long after reports of the news first broke.
"The statement the club have put out is really poor," Neville told Sky Sports. "Man Utd haven’t had a voice for 10 years. They’ve lost their authority and their boldness. They’ve been getting it back a little bit in the last 12 months, but it’s really clear there’s a fracture here.
Do you agree with Gary Neville? Have your say in the comments section
Dan Ashworth's Manchester United tenure has come to an early end
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Image:
AFP via Getty Images)
"You can’t bring someone in like Dan Ashworth, lose him after five months and think something hasn’t gone wrong. Fans are going to be asking what’s gone wrong. They’re going to speculate, there’s going to be huge voids.
"You’re better off punching us in the face with the truth sometimes when it’s so obvious something has gone wrong, between the personalities of Dan Ashworth and Omar Barrada, Dave Brailsford, whoever it is who hasn’t got on with each other. Just tell us, because it’s obvious something has happened. That statement is weak."
Phelan and Rooney reunited at Plymouth
Former Manchester United assistant manager Mike Phelan has joined Wayne Rooney's staff at Plymouth Argyle. Phelan had two spells as United's number two, including one when Rooney was on the playiing staff.
“Mike is someone I know well having worked with him when I was a player at Manchester United and he has vast experience at the highest level of football," Rooney said. “I am really pleased to bring him to Argyle and look forward to seeing him get to work immediately.”
Plymouth sit 22nd in the Championship after 18 matches, just inside the relegation zone on goal difference. Their next match, on Tuesday evening, sees them host mid-table Swansea City.
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