Dan Ashworth 'drops Man Utd email blunder' that could spark Premier League probe

Dan Ashworth reportedly held talks with Man Utd’s incoming chief executive, Omar Berrada, before Newcastle United were made aware of the interest. Ashworth potentially breached the terms of his Newcastle contract by allegedly speaking to Berrada, which the Premier League could investigate.

According to the Mail, Ashworth accidentally disclosed his private discussions to the Magpies by sending a blind copy of a message addressed to Berrada to his own club email address.

It’s claimed that the pair held talks in early February before Ashworth reportedly sent a follow-up email clarifying his eagerness to become United’s new sporting director.

United reportedly hadn’t approached Newcastle at that point, while Berrada was serving his gardening leave from Manchester City that ends on July 13, when he officially starts at Old Trafford.

The Red Devils’ incoming CEO could be in hot water if he is found to have breached any terms of the agreement that has allowed the City chief to join their bitter rivals.

The report states that Ashworth could also be looked at after allegedly revealing details of Newcastle’s agreement with Brighton and Hove Albion when they appointed him in 2022.

It would likely be a breach of confidentiality to each of Newcastle and Brighton, which may become the subject of a Premier League review.

The Premier League rule book enforces the ‘utmost good faith’ in relation to the behaviour between clubs, directors and officials.

It’s added that any “dishonestly towards another club” or “conduct that is intended to circumvent these rules” would be a breach.

All clubs relevant to the claims have declined to comment. Express Sport has also approached the Premier League.

Ashworth confirmed his desire to join Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS’ new-look sporting structure at Old Trafford on February 18.

Newcastle subsequently placed him on gardening leave, which will run into 2025 if United don’t agree on a compensation package with the St James’ Park outfit.

Ratcliffe has publicly aired his frustrations at his struggles to prize Ashworth from Tyneside compared to the straightforward negotiations to appoint Berrada from a more direct rival in City.

However, Newcastle haven’t yet deemed any approach acceptable, which is claimed to have prompted Ashworth to take the club to arbitration.

United will reportedly support the 53-year-old through the process as they work to complete their new three-man hierarchy at Old Trafford.

Jason Wilcox has already started work as the club’s new technical director. He is thought to be leading summer recruitment with interim CEO Jean-Claude Blanc until Berrada arrives in July.