• Mutual decision made after only five months in job
• Exit finalised in meeting after loss to Nottingham Forest

Dan Ashworth has left his position as Manchester United’s sporting director after only five months at the club.

Manchester United recruited Ashworth from Newcastle to much fanfare and expense but they have come to a mutual agreement to part ways. Talks were held between Ashworth and the chief executive, Omar Berrada, after Saturday’s 3-2 defeat by Nottingham Forest, which left United 13th in the Premier League. The co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe signed off on the 53-year-old’s departure.