Man Utd 'appoint' Dan Ashworth replacement and they will start work immediately ahead of January transfer window

Manchester United have already appointed their replacement for former sporting director Dan Ashworth ahead of the upcoming January transfer window.

Last week, United made a shock announcement that Ashworth had left his role as sporting director after just five months in the role.

The 53-year-old joined United in July after the club poached him from Newcastle United, who received a compensation deal when Ashworth made the move to Old Trafford.

And now, his replacement has already been appointed as United prepare for the transfer window when it opens next month.

According to The Daily Mail, Jason Wilcox, who joined a United's technical director in April, will temporarily fill in for Ashworth as sporting director going into the January transfer window.

Club staff were made aware of the change in an email telling them Wilcox should now be the point of contact for any scouting reports and for all recruitment matters.

Interim director of recruitment Christopher Vivel will also take on a more prominent role at the club in the wake of Ashworth's shock departure.

United will reportedly not bring in a replacement to exactly match Ashworth's role at the club, but will consider making another executive appointment.

Ahead of United's Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen on Wednesday, new United manager Ruben Amorim was asked to comment on Ashworth's surprise departure.

"One person leaving doesn't change nothing," he said.

"Since the first day I felt great support from the ownership; from Omar (Berrada) and Jason (Wilcox), and I really, really felt support from Dan also.

Dan Ashworth started his role as Manchester United sporting director on July 1. (Image: Getty)

"This is football. Sometimes it happens with players and it can happen with coaches. Of course, it's a bad situation. We are talking about a human being, a professional, that supports us as a team.

"But I think the most important thing is the vision is really clear, and the vision doesn't change if one person leaves."

The official club statement confirming Ashworth would be leaving United said that decision was by "mutual agreement".

"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," added the statement.