MANCHESTER, England, Dec 8 (Reuters) - Dan Ashworth has left his role as sporting director at Manchester United ( MANU ) after five months in the job by mutual agreement, the Premier League club said on Sunday.

The 53-year-old was recruited from Newcastle United and arrived in July to much fanfare the decision was made to part ways after a meeting between Ashworth and Chief Executive Omar Berrada after Saturday's 3-2 home loss to Nottingham Forest, the Athletic reported.

"We would like to thank Dan for his work and support during a transitional period for the club and wish him well in the future," United said in a statement.

Ashworth had played a key part in reshaping the club following Jim Ratcliffe's purchase of a minority share and has overseen major decisions such as retaining manager Erik ten Hag last summer, and the spending of close to 200 million pounds ($255 million) on player signings.

($1 = 0.7848 pounds)