Sir Jim Ratcliffe might repeat Glazer trick to appoint Dan Ashworth replacement at Manchester United

"Just like the Glazers, Ratcliffe is a....," was sung by Manchester United fans eight days ago.

Ratcliffe was the target of vitriolic chanting as supporters protested higher ticket prices before facing Everton, which confirmed his honeymoon period as co-owner was over.

There were green and yellow flares set off and anti-Glazer banners raised. Unfortunately, Ratcliffe seems to have more in common with the Glazer family than was initially thought and it wouldn't be a complete surprise if he took a page from their playbook to replace Dan Ashworth.

United waited four months for Ashworth to begin work at Old Trafford because he had to serve a period of gardening leave but he spent just five months as the club's sporting director.

ALSO READ: Ratcliffe breaks silence on United ticket price hike

ALSO READ: Ratcliffe makes brutal admission about United transfer business

United released a statement on Sunday and said: “Dan Ashworth will be leaving his role as Sporting Director of Manchester United 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.”

Club sources have claimed the decision was made collaboratively "following a period of transition" but it's thought Ineos instigated the decision to end Ashworth's contract.

The decision has been described as very difficult for both parties and United reiterated Ashworth has conducted himself with integrity and decency throughout his time at the club.

Ratcliffe is believed to be recording fly-on-the-wall footage at United with a view to releasing a documentary on the club's rebuild down the line and it should make for compelling viewing if the circumstances that led to Ashworth's