Eddie Howe wants to replace Erik ten Hag as Man Utd manager

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 22 Oct 2024 07:00 BST
• 4 min read

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe is tempted by the prospect of replacing Erik ten Hag as Manchester United boss.

That is according to former Manchester United chief scout and assistant manager Mick Brown.

Howe has been reported in recent days as the new favourite of INEOS to succeed Ten Hag if and when they sack the Dutchman.

Brown claims that he has heard that Howe has responded keenly to the news and would like to take the job if offered it.

What did Brown say?

“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 temped by that offer.

“There are major problems which need overhauling, but it’s a great place to be and it’s one of the biggest clubs in the world.

“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.”

Howe does not enjoy a good relationship with the Newcastle hierarchy, which increases the chances of him accepting any Man Utd job offer.

Ten Hag remains at risk of the Man Utd sack despite a 2-1 win over Brentford at the weekend.

It has been widely reported that Ten Hag has until the next international break in November to improve Man Utd's fortunes or be sacked.

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Ten Hag survived the October international break and the much-anticipated executive summit held in London by United chiefs a fortnight ago.

The United board held a six-hour meeting at INEOS’ offices in London where it was decided that no action would be taken to sack Ten Hag.

The meeting was chaired by Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the Ineos owner and United’s largest single minority shareholder. Also present were Ineos head of sport, Sir Dave Brailsford, United CEO Omar Berrada, sporting director Dan Ashworth, the sporting director, and technical director Jason Wilcox.

Man United currently find themselves languishing down in 11th position in the Premier League with a minus-two goal difference after eight games.

United have failed to win either of their Europa League games, drawing with Twente and Porto.

Ten Hag survives again

Ten Hag had been expected to be sacked this summer after a generally miserable 2023-24 campaign in which - despite winning the FA Cup - Man Utd finished eighth in the Premier League and were dumped out of Europe at the Champions League group stage.

United held an internal review on Ten Hag’s future and even spoke to a number of potential managerial replacements, but in a shock development decided that the Dutchman would be staying at Old Trafford.

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A number of other top names have been waiting in the wings to replace Ten Hag, including former England manager Gareth Southgate, ex-Juventus boss Max Allegri and Graham Potter.

Ruud van Nistelrooy is an internal choice after impressing the club since arriving as assistant manager.