Manchester United have reportedly decided against bringing in a replacement for Dan Ashworth amid recent links with Atletico Madrid's Andrea Berta and Paris Saint-Germain's Luis Campos.
The Red Devils announced on Sunday that Ashworth had left the club, just five months after arriving as their new sporting director.
The 53-year-old moved to Old Trafford at the start of July following a period of gardening leave at former club Newcastle United, but he was informed on Saturday evening that his time with the club had come to an end.
There is believed to have been tension between Ashworth and CEO Omar Berrada, and it was ultimately decided by minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe that Ashworth should be moved on.
"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," read a statement from the club.
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Man United 'to ditch sporting director role'
Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that Berta is being considered by Man United, with the highly-rated operator set to leave Atletico at the end of the campaign.
Berta initially arrived as Atletico's technical director in 2013 and has been instrumental in their recent success, with the Italian viewed as one of the best sporting directors in world football.
Meanwhile, inews claim that PSG's football adviser Campos is also viewed as a potential Ashworth replacement, with the Portuguese's contract with the French giants due to expire at the end of the campaign.
Campos, 60, made his name as sporting director at Monaco between 2013 and 2016, overseeing deals for the likes of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez, Fabinho and Bernardo Silva.
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Berta, Campos are being linked with Man United moves
However, according to The Sun, Man United have decided against replacing Ashworth and have instead made the call to ditch the sporting director role at Old Trafford.
The report claims that Ratcliffe has decided that Berrada, technical director Jason Wilcox and director of sport at INEOS Sir Dave Brailsford can share the role moving forward.
Man United could be active during the January transfer window despite financial restrictions, with a new left-back believed to be a priority for the club, while a striker could also allegedly arrive if the right player becomes available.
The 20-time English champions are said to be in discussions over a potential deal for South American wonderkid Diego Leon, meanwhile, as Ratcliffe looks to bring in the best young talent in world football.
Matt Law
