Dan Ashworth's unexpected exit from Manchester United came just days after Sir Jim Ratcliffe warned that more "difficult and unpopular decisions" will be needed at Old Trafford.
On Sunday morning, it emerged that Ashworth, 53, had agreed to his departure in a meeting with chief executive Omar Berrada following their Premier League clash against Nottingham Forest.
A report from The Athletic suggests his transition 'has not been smooth and his exit has been decided upon.' They also claim United 'instigated' the separation.
The news comes just months after co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe called Ashworth "one of the top sporting directors in the world" as the INEOS-led team searched for someone to fill the position.
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“I have no doubt he is a very capable person," Ratcliffe said in February. "He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world."
Ratcliffe added: "It would be different at City because you’re maintaining a level. Here it’s a significant rebuilding job. He would be a very good addition.”
Now, just five months after United agreed a compensation fee with Newcastle for Ashworth, it appears Ratcliffe and his team will be on the lookout for a new sporting director.
Ratcliffe, meanwhile, has come under fire of late after United raised the cost of tickets for members to £66 and removed concession prices for the rest of this 2024/25 campaign.
Speaking to the United We Stand fanzine ahead of Saturday's game against Nottingham Forest, Ratcliffe made his feelings clear on the club's current standing in world football.
He also claimed that the club have to make "difficult and unpopular decisions" to inspire change.
"Manchester United has become mediocre," he admitted. "It is supposed to be one of the best football clubs in the world. We have to make some difficult and unpopular decisions. If you shy away from the difficult decisions, then nothing much is going to change.”
Ratcliffe added: "I know we get criticism in the press, but we do need to challenge the cost of running this club because what I want to be free for us to do is buy really good footballers, not spend so much of the money on infrastructure.
"We can't run a business at a loss, which is where United have been in the last couple of years."
Thoughts on the Ashworth news? Do you agree with Sir Jim Ratcliffe on the above comments? Let us know down below.
Topics: Manchester United, Premier League, Sir Jim Ratcliffe
Jack Kenmare