'More embarrassment' - Manchester United board given clear verdict after Dan Ashworth departure

Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth, once described by INEOS owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe as one of the best in the world, has left his post after just 5 months - and Manchester Evening News readers in our comments section are taking a dim view of the chaos behind the scenes.

Ashworth was brought in after a long pursuit, marred by difficult negotiations with his former employer, Newcastle United. He was expected to herald INEOS' new era at Manchester United, putting an end to the club's questionable transfer record under the Glazers, but that job will now fall to someone else.

During Ashworth's time at United, Erik ten Hag was offered his contract extension after an 8th place finish in the Premier League, recorded a negative goal difference, though the FA Cup win went in his favour. The club's summer business has been questioned too, with new arrival Joshua Zirkzee under the spotlight after failing to hit the ground running.

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MEN readers reckon that the shift to a new manager's system, and politics behind the scenes, played a part in Ashworth's sudden departure. Commenter Busby68 says: “My guess is he wasn’t the panacea to the recruitment problem that everyone expected. He’s probably jumped before he was pushed.

"We all know Ratcliffe can be ruthless, and, who knows, maybe the manager has had his two pence worth. I believe Amorim to be his own man and he has had an opportunity to look at the squad and raised concerns over the recruitment side.”

Reader Trouble4 agrees: “It's clear what has happened. The