Prospective Manchester United sporting director, Dan Ashworth, is set to play a crucial role as a sounding board for the head coach, according to Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe. Howe has been working closely with Ashworth until recently, as the latter is currently on gardening leave while finalizing his move to Old Trafford.
Speaking on The Overlap podcast, Howe revealed, “When Dan was here, he was my go-to person for anything. Now that Dan has left, it’s Darren Eales, the CEO. But in terms of my day-to-day work, nothing has changed.”
Howe emphasized that the level of involvement and communication with higher-ups varies from person to person. He shared his experience at Bournemouth, where the owner would occasionally want to discuss the team, not just the starting lineup. These conversations were informal and relaxed, allowing Howe to focus on his job and manage upwards effectively.
“I’ve always believed in being honest and transparent in my communication,” Howe added. “If I make a mistake, I own up to it rather than trying to hide it. This approach helps alleviate a lot of problems.”
In conclusion, Ashworth’s appointment as sporting director at Manchester United is expected to provide valuable support and guidance to the head coach. Effective communication and transparency have been key principles for Howe throughout his managerial career, enabling him to build strong relationships with club executives.
