Could Eddie Howe Be the Next Boss at Manchester United?
Eddie Howe has been on the sidelines since departing Newcastle United last summer.
When Sir Jim Ratcliffe stepped in as a co-owner of Manchester United in 2024, he made it clear he wanted to reshape the club with a focus on British talent.
However, the high costs of bringing in homegrown players, coupled with Michael Carrick's struggles as the first permanent British manager under the Ineos banner, might have Ratcliffe reconsidering his strategy.
If Carrick continues to falter, the club is already weighing the option of bringing in another British coach with a more robust resume.
It's no surprise that Howe's name has popped up in discussions for one of the most prestigious managerial roles in football.
Those who have worked with Howe rave about his ability to elevate players through his intense training regimen and his strong emphasis on cultivating a winning mentality.
While he may not have experience at a traditional top-six club, his accomplishments at Bournemouth and Newcastle speak volumes.
Taking the reins at Bournemouth when they were facing relegation to League Two in 2009, Howe guided them to the Premier League by 2015. He firmly established the Cherries as a top-flight side before leaving for a second stint in 2020.
In 2021, he stepped in as manager at Newcastle, transforming a club in peril into a Champions League contender and securing their first trophy in 56 years with the EFL Cup in 2025.
Yet, stepping into the role at Manchester United presents a unique set of challenges.
Howe's potential candidacy has sparked some skepticism among fans. Many are vocal on social media, claiming he lacks the star power necessary to replace Carrick.
Even former United legends like Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt have been hesitant to back Howe, despite having previously supported him when Ruben Amorim was let go earlier this year.
However, there's notable support for Howe from other former players, including Roy Keane, Darren Bent, Gareth Barry, and Jack Wilshere, who see him as a fitting choice.
With opinions flying in from all directions, the ultimate decision rests with United's executives Omar Berrada, Jason Wilcox, and Christopher Vivell. Their first order of business? Deciding Carrick's fate after Saturday's crucial clash with Chelsea.
If Carrick does indeed leave, financial considerations will play a significant role.
The former Middlesbrough manager and his staff will need to be compensated before even thinking about the financial implications of a new head coach.
While specifics of Howe's departure from Newcastle remain under wraps, it's believed that hiring him will require a hefty compensation fee, starting at £6 million but already halved as it diminishes over time.
This fee is set to expire before the season wraps up, allowing a club to bring Howe on board without any financial strings attached.
In a world where manager payouts can reach staggering heights, a maximum of £3 million for Howe could be manageable for Manchester United.
Yet, with their recent history of costly managerial changes, Berrada and Wilcox may be inclined to keep expenses in check.
Doubt lingered among some fans regarding Howe's fit within United's football structure.
During his tenures at both Bournemouth and Newcastle, Howe wielded significant influence over recruitment, leading to profitable signings.
Players like Nathan Ake and Callum Wilson were brought to Bournemouth under his watch and later sold for substantial gains. At Newcastle, he was key in signing players like Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak, who have since increased in value.
However, with the existing management structure at United involving Berrada, Wilcox, and Vivell, it’s likely Howe wouldn’t have the same level of control he enjoyed at his previous clubs.
That said, Howe has expressed his willingness to collaborate with sporting directors, having successfully done so at Bournemouth and Newcastle.
Whether he would embrace the challenges of the Manchester United role remains uncertain. Ultimately, the decision will come down to the club's leadership and their vision for the future.
