Eddie Howe, currently without a club, has emerged as the leading candidate to take over at Manchester United should Michael Carrick be dismissed, despite having previously ruled out leaving Newcastle United.
United's defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday initially appeared to seal Carrick's fate. However, reports indicate that Carrick will be given the chance to turn results around, starting with Saturday's game against Chelsea. If that does not happen, the search for a replacement is expected to begin, with Howe at the front of the queue.
Howe's previous stance on leaving Newcastle
The 48-year-old left St James' Park in July, having been at the helm when the United position first became vacant this year. When Ruben Amorim was dismissed in January, Howe was settled as Newcastle manager but was still asked whether he could be tempted away. He was also questioned about the vacancy at Chelsea following Enzo Maresca's departure.
A journalist asked: "In the last week, you have been linked with the Chelsea job and the Manchester United job. Is there anything that would tempt you away from Newcastle United?"
Howe replied: "No... Not at this current time. I am very happy at the moment, and hopefully that stays for a long time. Absolutely nothing has changed from my perspective. I am one hundred per cent here."
Almost seven months later, Howe resigned as Newcastle manager, citing personal exhaustion, with squad turnover a likely factor.
Keane backs Howe for United
During his time at Newcastle, Howe delivered two Champions League qualifications and ended the club's 70-year domestic silverware drought by winning the 2024/25 Carabao Cup. His record also includes two stints at Bournemouth, where he secured Premier League safety and guided the club through three promotions in five seasons from League Two to the top flight.
United legend Roy Keane has endorsed Howe for the role. He told Sky Sports: "When his teams are at it, they'll play good football. He has his critics, but I like what he's done at Newcastle.
"We've seen with our previous [appointments], we like people with emotions, but he's got that calmness. The job he's done at Newcastle, Champions League, and winning a cup, I'd be happy to see him go in there."
