Some thought he arrived to set up a deal for the club ... while others suggest he just popped in "for a dump" before the long journey to London.
Whatever the reason, Chris Hughton got a pat on the head and a dog biscuit, and Derek Llampias got another list of lies to tell the media should they ask about the sale of the club.
All-in-all, everyone was happy.
The Chronicle played down the sportswear chief's appearance, saying it was just a routine visit to finalise some paperwork.
A United source said: "It is nothing to get excited about, it was a routine visit, Mike was here to sign some paperwork relating to Damien Duff's transfer and the launch of the third kit."
Speculation Barry Moat was ready to take control only increased when he was spotted sitting next to Ashley at the Reading game on Saturday. But apparently he got lost on the way back from buying a pie, and there was an empty seat next to 'Fat Man'.