Sir Jim Ratcliffe dealt significant blow in hopes of landing Eddie Howe

Erik Ten Hag remains in charge of Manchester United but the Dutchman continues to be under pressure with the Red Devils heavily linked with Eddie Howe.

The 54-year-old survived an INEOS-led meeting during the international break despite the club being expected to part ways and pursue a new tactician.

Thomas Tuchel was one of the favourites to replace the former Ajax boss at Old Trafford, but the German has since agreed to take charge of England from the New Year.

Ruled out of succeeding Ten Hag in the Old Trafford dugout, now, or any time soon, Tuchel is off the list of possible candidates.

The FA’s recent decision to appoint Tuchel has opened the door for Eddie Howe though.

Eddie Howe linked with Man United job

The 46-year-old is one of the Premier League’s most highly-rated managers, steadily building an impressive CV. Although he has yet to win any major silverware at Newcastle United, the former Bournemouth boss continues to revolutionise the club.

Unsurprisingly linked with becoming the sixth permanent manager to lead United since Sir Alex Ferguson, Howe is admired by INEOS.

However, according to a recent report from Football Insider, prizing the Amersham-born tactican away from the northeast won’t be a straightforward operation for the 20-time league winners.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe suffers early setback

Unlike most managers, Howe’s contract does not contain a minimum release clause. Unable to trigger Howe’s exit, United, should they pursue him, will need to negotiate a compensation package with Newcastle — a nightmare scenario for INEOS, who recently went through a similar experience when hiring sporting director Dan Ashworth.

The Magpies’ expected refusal to negotiate their manager’s possible departure will lead to more headaches behind the scenes at United.

With the managerial market relatively short of options and Tuchel now in charge of the England’s men team, the Red Devils will have little choice but to continue with Ten Hag until at least the end of the season.

Even more questions will be asked if United drop points to Brentford this weekend though.