Premier League manager ‘tempted’ by Manchester United job; potential reunion with Dan Ashworth

Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would be “tempted” by the opportunity to succeed Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

That’s according to former Manchester United scout Mick Brown, who doesn’t seem to have an issue with speculating over the future of Ten Hag.

Make of that whatever you will, but it may explain why he’s a former scout turned mouthpiece for Football Insider.

Howe’s current deal at St James’ Park runs until 2027 but it has emerged that he would ditch Newcastle for United, if INEOS decide to part ways with Ten Hag and the offer came his way.

We shouldn’t be surprised by these links because Howe had a strong relationship with Dan Ashworth during their time together at Newcastle. It was only a matter of time before the media linked both parties with a reunion at Old Trafford.

Since then reports suggest Howe doesn’t see eye-to-eye with Newcastle’s new director of football Paul Mitchell. That alone should raise doubts over the manager’s future with the Magpies.

Eddie Howe tempted by Manchester United

“I’ve heard he’d be tempted by the opportunity,” Brown told Football Insider. “No matter the situation the club finds itself in, anybody would be tempted by that offer.

“Howe, I believe, would back himself to sort out some of those problems, and that would get the crowd on his side.

“He’s got a very good reputation. I’ve never worked with him personally but I’ve heard nothing but good things about him and his management.

“I don’t think there are that many candidates in the frame for the job now. If Ten Hag was sacked tomorrow, where would they go next? That’s why the owners haven’t pulled the trigger, and that’s why Howe’s name is on their list. They obviously feel that if they pull the trigger, he would consider taking over.”

Reflecting on Howe’s time at Newcastle to date, I don’t think he has pulled up any trees. They got to the Carabao Cup final in 2022 but deservedly lost as Ten Hag picked up his first trophy as United manager.

Howe has not done enough to warrant the United job.