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Simon Stone of the BBC has provided a big hint to suggest that Dan Ashworth was sacked from his role as Manchester United’s sporting director, immediately after the side’s defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday.
United slipped to a second consecutive loss, as they were beaten 3-2 by Nuno Espirito Santo’s men.
Goals from Nikola Milenkovic, Morgan Gibbs-White and Chris Wood were all the visitors needed to secure three points and hand United their second consecutive defeat.
Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes grabbed the Red Devils’ goals.
It has since emerged that Ashworth has vacated his position as United’s sporting director, just five months after taking on the role.
A bombshell report by The Athletic divulged that the separation was instigated by United, with co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe playing a key role.
It’s understood that Ashworth’s transition from Newcastle to United “has not been smooth” and so, a decision was made – in a meeting after the Forest game – to axe him.
Simone Stone was at Old Trafford reporting for BBC Sport and reported that he saw Ashworth walking through the mixed zone after the game.
According to Stone, Ashworth’s head was down and he avoided contact with others who were in the room.
Stone noted, “Manchester United sporting director Dan Ashworth just walked through the media room, heading from one part of the stadium to another.”
“He kept his head down and didn’t make eye contact with the journalists present.”
“Ashworth and the other United executives have a lot of work in front of them over the next weeks and months.”
While it’s not definitive, Ashworth’s demeanour strongly suggests that he was sacked immediately after that match or he knew his departure was imminent.
United are back in action on Thursday when they face Viktoria Plzeň in the Europa League.
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