What Sir Jim Ratcliffe said about Dan Ashworth speaks volumes following bombshell Man United exit

Manchester United confirmed on Sunday morning that Dan Ashworth has left his role as the club’s sporting director.

In a statement, United 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.”

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United were forced into a tug-of-war with Newcastle over Ashworth's services after he signalled his intention to leave the North East club in February. He would eventually take up his position in July after a period of gardening leave with the compensation package said to be worth up to £3million.

Ashworth was involved in United's recruitment in the summer, which saw over £200million spent on Leny Yoro, Joshua Zirkzee, Manuel Ugarte, Matthijs De Ligt and Noussair Mazraoui. However, those signings have been questioned by both supporters and pundits.

But now he departs the club just a couple of months after United chief Ratcliffe described him as "one of the top sporting directors in the world".

“Dan Ashworth is clearly one of the top sporting directors in the world,” he said. "I have no doubt he is a very capable person.

"He is interested in Manchester United because it’s the biggest challenge at the biggest club in the world. 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."

During a question and answer with Sky Sports in September, Berrada expressed his optimism for the future but just four months later, there is fresh