Manchester United face major roadblock in their pursuit of Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe.
As Manchester United navigate a tumultuous start to the 2024-25 season under Erik ten Hag, the prospect of appointing Eddie Howe as their next manager appears increasingly challenging.
A report by Football Insider indicated that Manchester United’s new sporting director, Dan Ashworth, has a history with Howe at Newcastle United, which may explain the Red Devils’ interest in the Englishman. However, the strained relations between the two clubs following a protracted compensation dispute over Ashworth’s transfer to Old Trafford could complicate matters significantly.
Complicated Negotiations Ahead
Howe is currently under a lucrative long-term contract at St. James’ Park, a deal that he extended earlier this year. Crucially, this contract does not include a release clause, which means that Manchester United would need to engage in negotiations for a compensation package with Newcastle United if they wish to secure Howe’s services. Given the already tense relationship between the clubs, such negotiations may prove to be contentious and complicated.
The pressure is mounting on Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag, whose grip on his position is slipping after a dismal start that sees the club languishing in 14th place in the Premier League. Ten Hag has delivered silverware, winning both the League Cup and the FA Cup during his tenure. But the current season’s struggles have intensified calls for a managerial change.
Howe currently earns a £4 million-a-year salary at Newcastle United, and it would be reasonable for one to expect him to secure a pay rise at Old Trafford. However, as things stand, there is more than money at stake when it comes to negotiations between both clubs.
Howe’s Continued Success at Newcastle United
On the flip side, Howe has successfully steered Newcastle United to seventh place in the league, accumulating 12 points from their first seven matches. His ability to guide the club to the Champions League in his first full season speaks volumes about his managerial capabilities. The team’s performance has been commendable, especially considering the injury setbacks they faced during the previous season, which saw them finish seventh in the league.
Howe’s established rapport with players and his tactical acumen make him a valuable asset for Newcastle, complicating United’s hopes of luring him away. As Manchester United seek to stabilise their situation, the prospect of securing Howe seems daunting, especially given the recent history of negotiations between the two clubs.
While the interest in Eddie Howe from Manchester United is evident, the road to securing his services is fraught with obstacles. The strained relations with Newcastle United, coupled with Howe’s commitment to his current role, create a tall order for the Red Devils as they contemplate their next managerial steps.
