"Just like the Glazers, Ratcliffe is a....," was sung by Manchester United fans eight days ago.

Ratcliffe was the target of vitriolic chanting as supporters protested higher ticket prices before facing Everton, which confirmed his honeymoon period as co-owner was over.

There were green and yellow flares set off and anti-Glazer banners raised. Unfortunately, Ratcliffe seems to have more in common with the Glazer family than was initially thought and it wouldn't be a complete surprise if he took a page from their playbook to replace Dan Ashworth.

United waited four months for Ashworth to begin work at Old Trafford because he had to serve a period of gardening leave but he spent just five months as the club's sporting director.

ALSO READ: Ratcliffe breaks silence on United ticket price hike

ALSO READ: Ratcliffe makes brutal admission about United transfer business

United released a statement on Sunday and said: “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.”

Club sources have claimed the decision was made collaboratively "following a period of transition" but it's thought Ineos instigated the decision to end Ashworth's contract.

The decision has been described as very difficult for both parties and United reiterated Ashworth has conducted himself with integrity and decency throughout his time at the club.

Ratcliffe is believed to be recording fly-on-the-wall footage at United with a view to releasing a documentary on the club's rebuild down the line and it should make for compelling viewing if the circumstances that led to Ashworth's departure are ever brought to light on screen.

It seems inevitable any potential documentary would gloss over Ashworth's departure, though. The parting of ways is not a good look for INEOS and it will be fascinating to see whether they appoint a replacement, promote from within or disseminate Ashworth's former responsibilities.

A club source was mute when the search for a successor was mentioned on Sunday morning and making the correct decision this time after botching Ashworth's appointment is crucial.

So who are the names to be aware of? While United's search for a successor or decide if they want to hire one, Omar Berrada (CEO) and Jason Wilcox (technical director) are set to assume more responsibility and perhaps Christopher Vivell (interim director of recruitment) will be given a permanent role after making a strong impression since being appointed by INEOS in July.

Former Chelsea technical director Vivell has a contract until February and will remain in his role until then, with the possibility he then takes up the position on a permanent basis.

Ashworth's responsibilities could be absorbed by Berrada, Wilcox and Vivell but it seems more likely a permanent successor will be appointed given Ratcliffe's best in-class mantra.

If Ratcliffe promoted someone from within the club or made staff absorb responsibilities, that would be cost effective and very Glazer-esque. The Glazers promoted Ed Woodward and subsequently Richard Arnold to powerful positions and they favoured staff they knew.

It would be a huge red flag if Ratcliffe adopted the same approach, so hopefully there is due diligence under way and a list of candidates to replace Ashworth has already been made.

Paul Mitchell, who is from Greater Manchester, was linked to the job before joining Newcastle and Dougie Freedman is the bookmakers' favourite. PSG sporting director Luis Campos is also set to be available as there is a rift in Paris and his contract expires at the end of the season.

Ashworth was Ratcliffe's prime target for the inaugural sporting director role and where the British billionaire turns next remains to be seen but he cannot make another mistake.