Man Utd's sporting director leaves after five months

Dan Ashworth has left his role as sporting director at Manchester United after five months in the job by mutual agreement, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

The 53-year-old was recruited from Newcastle United and arrived in July to much fanfare the decision was made to part ways after a meeting between Ashworth and Chief Executive Omar Berrada after Saturday's 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest, the Athletic reported.

"We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well in the future," United said in a statement.

Ashworth had played a key part in reshaping the club following Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a minority share and has overseen major decisions such as retaining manager Erik ten Hag last summer, and the spending of close to £200 million (AED936 million) on player signings.