Manchester United appear ready to appoint Mauricio Pochettino as their next manager, ending speculation that Eddie Howe would return to frontline management at Old Trafford. The former Newcastle United boss remains on sabbatical, almost four months after stepping down at the end of July.
Howe's sabbatical and Man United links
Howe has kept a low profile since leaving Newcastle, with no public statements about his situation. Despite being linked with both Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur as their seasons faltered, he was considered not ready to return to management.
Michael Carrick, who was appointed head coach on a permanent basis in the summer, has overseen a difficult start to the season, with the club sitting 18th in the Premier League table after just one league win. Carrick was granted a stay of execution during the last international break while the club weighed up potential replacements, with Howe emerging as the favourite ahead of Julian Nagelsmann.
Why Howe was not approached
There was no official contact with Howe or his representatives, despite interest from director of football Jason Wilcox. A split within the Old Trafford boardroom saw Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte also considered before Pochettino emerged as the likely choice.
Howe's exit statement from Newcastle cited a need for a break: "After nearly five years of giving my life, heart and soul into the club with unrelenting energy, I feel that it is in the best interests of both myself and the club to step away, recharge and take a break."
Potential future destinations
Howe has already turned down tentative approaches from Crystal Palace and Lens. The 48-year-old took 15 months between leaving Bournemouth and starting at Newcastle during his last sabbatical, and turned down Celtic after failing to agree on the direction of the club.
Possible future roles could include Celtic or Rangers, a club in Europe, or an ambitious Championship side. The England job remains a long-term possibility, with Thomas Tuchel in charge until the Euro 28 tournament but seemingly unlikely to extend his contract.
Offers are expected to continue arriving for Howe, who is regarded as one of the greatest managers in the history of both Bournemouth and Newcastle.
