Dan Ashworth tried to cover his tracks by deleting the email he sent to his Newcastle account revealing secret talks with Manchester United – and then claimed comments by Eddie Howe had made his position untenable.
Mail Sport reported on Tuesday how Newcastle’s sporting director sent an email in early February to Omar Berrada – the incoming Man United chief executive – in which he made it clear he wanted to accept the offer of the same role at Old Trafford.
However, Ashworth sent a blind copy to his Newcastle email address before apparently realising the error and deleting the evidence. At this stage, Man United had not approached Newcastle and Ashworth had not informed his employers of the clandestine talks with a rival.
The subsequent discovery of the email by the club is embarrassing for Ashworth and Berrada, who was still on gardening leave from Manchester City. It could lead to a Premier League probe if a complaint is made.
In a further twist, we understand Ashworth then claimed comments made by Howe had made his position untenable. However, this was in relation to comments made by the head coach on February 16, one week after the secret exchange with Berrada that Ashworth thought he had erased.
Dan Ashworth tried to cover his tracks by deleting the email he sent to his Newcastle account revealing secret talks with Manchester United
He has been trying to push through a move to join Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s Manchester United as sporting director
He sent an email in early February to Omar Berrada making it clear he wanted to join United, but Newcastle had not yet been approached
The story had broken about Ashworth being ready to defect to Man United and Howe was asked for his thoughts in a press conference.
He agreed with the suggestion it was a concern that Ashworth still had access to Newcastle’s transfer plans and financial information, and called for a swift resolution to the situation.
Ashworth believed this left him unable to work for the club. In reality, he had already accepted an offer from Man United.
On February 18, Ashworth informed Newcastle of his wish to join Man United and was placed on gardening leave, which Man United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe…