Manchester United have been handed a stark financial reality check in their search for a new manager, learning it would cost a staggering eight-figure sum to appoint Newcastle United's Eddie Howe.
The Cost of Courting Howe
This revelation comes in the wake of United's dramatic decision to sack head coach Ruben Amorim on Monday, just one day after his extraordinary post-match rant following a 1-1 draw with Leeds United at Elland Road. Amorim's dismissal, after just 14 months in charge at Old Trafford, has sparked an immediate hunt for his successor.
While Crystal Palace's Oliver Glasner quickly emerged as a bookmakers' favourite and former England manager Gareth Southgate was also linked, Eddie Howe's name remains prominent in the speculation. The 48-year-old Newcastle boss is understood to still have admirers within the Manchester United hierarchy.
However, Newcastle have proactively secured themselves against such interest. With Howe on a contract worth around £6 million per year and with a minimum of three years still to run, any club wishing to appoint him would be forced to pay a compensation package well in excess of £10 million. This eye-watering fee does not even include the additional costs of bringing Howe's trusted coaching team, including Jason Tindall, with him.
Howe's Commitment to the Magpies
Howe himself has publicly addressed the links to Manchester United in the past, making his position clear. Back in October, when Amorim's future first came under scrutiny, the Newcastle manager was unequivocal about his dedication to the project at St James' Park.
"I'm all in (at Newcastle)," Howe declared. "My commitment here is 100% here and always has been. My family is still here, and we are fighting every day to make a success of what we are doing."
Newcastle's sporting director, Ross Wilson, has also emphasised the club's determination to retain their manager. "We have got an outstanding manager here," Wilson stated, "and from past experience, I'd certainly rather have one that other people might like rather than one that nobody likes."
Immediate Fallout and Future Speculation
In the immediate aftermath of Amorim's departure, former United midfielder Darren Fletcher, currently the club's under-18s coach, has been placed in temporary charge. He will lead the team for their Premier League fixture against Burnley on Wednesday night.
For Howe and Newcastle, the focus remains on a crucial period on the pitch. The Magpies are chasing success in both domestic cup competitions and face decisive final Champions League group games against PSV Eindhoven and Paris Saint-Germain, aiming for qualification for the knockout stages.
The club's owners, PIF, are reportedly keen to see a return to Champions League football via a top-four Premier League finish this season, after ending last term in fifth place. Howe's future, whether at Newcastle, with England, or potentially at a club like Manchester United, will likely be influenced by how his team navigates these coming weeks.
