"Something like that can't be mutual" - Gary Neville says he's 'shocked' by Manchester United's decision to sack Dan Ashworth

Manchester United legend Gary Neville claimed that he is "shocked" by the club's unexpected decision to part ways with sporting director Dan Ashworth. The former English defender expressed his shock and stated that it is "not a good look" for the Red Devils.

Ashworth was appointed after serving a lengthy gardening leave with former side Newcastle United due to disagreements between the two clubs over a release fee. He took over at Old Trafford on July 1 and was viewed as the leader of the Red Devils' project for the foreseeable future.

However, after United's 3-2 defeat at the hands of Nottingham Forest on December 7, Ashworth's departure was made official. The decision was made just five months after his appointment, leading to a host of speculations about the problems behind the scenes at the club.

A recent report from The Athletic claimed that the idea of sacking Ashworth was initiated by United's owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe and chief executive Omar Berrada. Neville believes that the 53-year-old did not have much of a say in his departure from Manchester United.

The right-back, who made 598 appearances for the Red Devils in his 20-year career at the club, said (via The Independent h/t NBC Sports):

"Something like that can't be mutual. Dan Ashworth was head-hunted for many, many months. He was paid millions of pounds for, so I'm really shocked that this has happened. It's not a good look at all and it's going to need explaining."

"There is a fracture" - Manchester United legend Gary Neville about sporting director Dan Ashworth's sudden departure

Manchester United icon Gary Neville has claimed that there is "a fracture" between the club's administration and ownership, which resulted in the sacking of sporting director Dan Ashworth.

United's official statement announcing the decision claimed that Ashworth's departure was mutual. It 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."

Speaking to NBC Sports, Neville rubbished the statement, claiming that there is an underlying rift that has led to such a startling decision out of the blue.

The 49-year-old said (via The Independent):

"The statement they've (Manchester United) put out is really poor. What's really clear here is there is a fracture. Fans are going to be asking the question, what's gone wrong? They're going to speculate, it's going to leave huge voids (of information)."

"I think you're better off just punching us in the face with the truth sometimes. Just tell us, because it's obvious that something has happened. I think that statement, to be honest with you, is weak," Neville added.

Up next, Manchester United will take on Czech side Viktoria Plzen in the UEFA Europa League on December 12.