Dan Ashworth’s blunder in secret email exchange with Omar Berrada opens the door to ‘tapping up’ probe | OneFootball

Dan Ashworth reportedly sent an email to a Newcastle United address and in the process, accidentally revealed that he was engaging in talks with Omar Berrada – the man set to become Manchester United’s next CEO.

Soon after Sir Jim Ratcliffe completed his 27.7% partial investment into the club, all attention for INEOS shifted towards implementing a “best-in-class” structure that would guide United into the new era.

United had already acquired the services of Berrada from Manchester City to become Richard Arnold’s long-term successor. Ashworth was then identified as Ratcliffe’s preferred target to assume a maiden sporting director role at Old Trafford.

When Ashworth informed Newcastle of his desire to leave St James’ Park in favour of pursuing a fresh challenge at United, the Magpies responded by placing him on immediate gardening leave.

Talks between the two clubs have so far been unproductive and it’s looking increasingly certain that Ashworth will not be in situ on time for INEOS’ first summer transfer window with the Red Devils.

A recent report covered by The Peoples Person revealed that Ashworth took Newcastle to arbitration in an effort to unlock the stalemate and force through a move to United. Erik ten Hag’s side are believed to be the party covering the legal costs of the process.

Amidst all this, a bombshell report by The Daily Mail has divulged that Ashworth and Berrada held a conversation in early February before United approached the Tyneside outfit to express interest in their executive.

It’s understood that in the talks between Berrada and Ashworth, the latter confirmed his wish to join United. He also disclosed to the former Man City chief confidential information about his contract with Newcastle.

The Mail explains, “Dan Ashworth sent an email to a Newcastle United address inadvertently revealing he was being tapped up by incoming Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada, who was still on gardening leave from Manchester City.”

“We can reveal the pair had a conversation in early February and Ashworth followed that up by sending an email to Berrada – at an INEOS account – making it clear he wanted to accept the opportunity of becoming Man United’s sporting director.”

“However, Ashworth sent a blind copy to his own Newcastle email address, clumsily disclosing to the club the covert negotiations with Berrada. Man United, at this point, had not informed Newcastle of their interest in Ashworth.”

“Berrada does not officially start at Old Trafford until July 13 and he had been on gardening leave from Man City for less than a month when engaging with Ashworth, potentially breaching the terms of his contract. Ashworth, we understand, also disclosed details to Berrada of the agreement between Newcastle and Brighton that took him to St James’ Park in the summer of 2022. This would likely be a breach of confidentiality to each of Newcastle and Brighton.”

The newspaper points out that it’s now very possible that Ashworth and Berrada were potentially breaching Premier League guidelines which state that each club, director and official should behave with “utmost good faith” and it would be a violation of the rules if they were to “act dishonestly towards another club” or “engage in conduct that is intended to circumvent these rules”.

As such, the individuals and United have opened up themselves to a “tapping up” probe by the Premier League.

Craig Hope notes that there is “increased chatter” in football spaces that Ratcliffe has no knowledge of how the industry functions and is drawing the anger of a section of the sport’s power brokers.

The Mail mention that United, City and Newcastle were all contacted for comment. All three clubs declined to comment.

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