AMORIM ADAMANT UNITED VISION INTACT

While Ashworth's exit is 'bad situation', he feels great support from club's top brass

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LONDON - Ruben Amorim admitted that Dan Ashworth's surprise departure from his role as Manchester United sporting director was "not the best situation" for the troubled club.

The Red Devils announced on Dec 8 that Ashworth will leave Old Trafford after only 159 days in the post following his move from Newcastle United in the summer.

The 53-year-old was expected to spearhead an overhaul of United's underachieving team, alongside new boss Amorim, who was hired from Sporting Lisbon in November to replace the sacked Erik ten Hag.

Instead, his departure raises fresh questions about United's future under co-owner Jim Ratcliffe, a figure who has had little success with his investments in football.

The Red Devils, who visit Manchester City on Dec 15, are languishing in 13th spot in the Premier League after last weekend's 3-2 home defeat by Nottingham Forest.

Ahead of the Dec 12 Europa League game at Viktoria Plzen, which kicked off after press time, Amorim faced the media for the first time since Ashworth's exit and conceded it was hardly ideal.

"The first thing I want to say is that since the first day I felt great support from the ownership," the 39-year-old said.