Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham's rivals make 'mutual agreement' departure decision

Arsenal, Chelsea and Tottenham’s Premier League rivals Manchester United have been left with egg on their face. The Red Devils spent months trying to pry sporting director Dan Ashworth from Newcastle United, leading to a huge spat between the two clubs.

Ashworth’s desire to make the move to Old Trafford saw him taken off active duties until a deal could be reached between the two clubs. Newcastle demanded as much as £20million for Ashworth to join United, although the ultimate settlement is said to have been between £2million and £3million.

Ashworth has been working for United for around five months since the move, but in a shock decision, it has been ‘mutually agreed’ that he should depart Old Trafford. A statement read: "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."

Co-owner Jim Ratcliffe reportedly played a big role in the decision, while Technical director Jason Wilcox, who served under Ashworth, remains in his role. The reasons for the departure are not clear, but Ashworth sanctioned more than £200million worth of signings, including the arrival of Joshua Zirkzee, who has struggled to make an impact.

Ashworth also played a role in United continuing to stick with Erik ten Hag despite a disastrous start to the season. United ultimately decided to sack Ten Hag and replace him with Ruben Amorim, who saw his side lose 3-2 at home to Nottingham Forest on Saturday. Ashworth’s departure takes place less than 24 hours after that, and his departure is with immediate effect, which is not common for sporting directors, and especially not during the season.

United will now be looking for a new sporting chiefs just weeks after appointing a new manager - something Ashworth will also have played a role in. Meanwhile, the January transfer window is just over three weeks away.