Revealed: Dan Ashworth's deleted email to hide talks with Man Utd before he blamed Eddie Howe for Newcastle departure

According to The Dail Mail,in early February, Ashworth reportedly sent an email to Omar Berrada, the incoming United chief executive, expressing his interest in accepting the sporting director's role at Old Trafford. The situation escalated when Ashworth inadvertently sent a blind copy of the email to his Newcastle account. Realising his mistake, he quickly deleted the email, hoping to erase any evidence of the secret exchange. However, the email was discovered by Newcastle officials.

The discovery of the email could prompt a Premier League investigation if a formal complaint is lodged. Such a probe would examine whether Ashworth's actions constituted a breach of contract or any league regulations regarding "tapping up" – the illegal approach to players or staff without the current employer's consent.

In an unexpected twist, Ashworth attempted to shift the blame for his exit onto Newcastle's head coach, Eddie Howe. He claimed that comments made by Howe during a press conference on February 16 made it difficult for him to continue with his role at St. James' Park. During the press conference, Howe expressed concerns about Ashworth having access to Newcastle's transfer plans and financial information amidst rumours of his potential defection to Manchester United. However, these comments were made a week after Ashworth's secret email to Berrada, suggesting that Ashworth's claim might have been a strategic move to justify his departure rather than a genuine grievance.

Two days later after Howe's press conference, Ashworth formally informed Newcastle about an offer from the Red Devils. Subsequently, he was placed on gardening leave, a status that United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe suggested would extend until the end of 2025. Newcastle has indicated that they are waiting for an acceptable offer from the Manchester club to release Ashworth from his contract early.

Meanwhile, Ashworth has reportedly initiated arbitration proceedings against Newcastle, claiming that he was unjustly sacked. If the arbitration panel finds in his favour, it could facilitate his early move to United. Conversely, if Newcastle's stance is upheld, then United might have to pay a hefty transfer fee to get him onboard before the summer of 2025.