Eddie Howe previously ruled out leaving Newcastle United for Manchester United when questioned about the possibility in January. However, following his departure from Newcastle, the former Magpies boss has reportedly emerged as a leading candidate to replace Michael Carrick if the United manager is dismissed.
United’s defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday has intensified speculation surrounding Carrick’s future. The Englishman’s side have recorded just one Premier League victory this season, a 5-2 win over newly promoted Ipswich Town, and entered the Bournemouth fixture following a 4-1 Champions League defeat to Como.
Pressure had already mounted on Carrick before the match, but his team’s 3-0 deficit prompted some Old Trafford supporters to applaud as he walked off the pitch, seemingly viewing the game as potentially his last in charge.
No final decision has been announced regarding his future, with crisis talks reportedly scheduled for Monday. Nevertheless, his departure is widely anticipated, leaving United facing the prospect of searching for another manager.
According to reports, Howe is among the leading contenders for the position. The 48-year-old has been without a club since leaving Newcastle in July, although his comments about the United job earlier this year suggested he had no intention of leaving St James’ Park at the time.
During his tenure at Newcastle, Howe guided the club to Champions League qualification on two occasions and ended their 70-year wait for a major domestic trophy by winning the 2024/25 Carabao Cup.
He also established an impressive managerial record across two spells at Bournemouth, helping the club secure Premier League status and achieve three promotions in five seasons, rising from League Two to the top flight.
When Ruben Amorim was dismissed by Manchester United in January, Howe was asked whether an offer from Old Trafford or Chelsea, following Enzo Maresca’s departure, could persuade him to leave Newcastle.
A reporter 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 responded: “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.”
However, his circumstances have since changed considerably, as he stepped down from his Newcastle role, citing personal exhaustion. Changes within the squad and reported tensions behind the scenes were also suggested as possible factors in his departure.
Manchester United eventually appointed Carrick permanently after he initially took charge as interim manager in January and guided the club to a third-place Premier League finish. Chelsea, meanwhile, appointed Liam Rosenior, who was dismissed after 106 days, before bringing in Xabi Alonso.
With Howe now available and Carrick facing mounting uncertainty at Old Trafford, speculation has once again linked the former Newcastle manager with the United job.
Whether Howe would reconsider his earlier position and accept an opportunity at Manchester United remains unclear.