Dan Ashworth has left his role as Manchester United's sporting director just five months after joining the club.

United pushed hard for the highly rated Ashworth, who was in place at Newcastle United, and spent five months on gardening leave before officially starting with the Red Devils, who reportedly paid significant compensation to his former club.

His first day on the job came on July 1, but now just five months later, he has left Old Trafford 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," a statement from the club read.

Ashworth led United's recruitment drive over the summer as the club aimed to back Erik ten Hag, who they subsequently dismissed at the end of October.

Joshua Zirkzee, Leny Yoro, Matthijs de Ligt, Noussair Mazraoui and Manuel Ugarte were all brought in to boost United's senior squad.

United lost 3-2 to Nottingham Forest on Saturday, as new boss Ruben Amorim suffered a second straight defeat, and his first at Old Trafford.

That loss left United in 13th in the Premier League.