Alan Shearer makes Eddie Howe x Man United claim that will divide Newcastle United supporters
Eddie Howe is the bookmakers’ favourite to succeed Michael Carrick at Manchester United.
Alan Shearer has thrown Eddie Howe’s name in the hat for the Manchester United job.
However, he also questioned whether the former Newcastle United manager will be given sufficient control at Old Trafford. Michael Carrick is under huge pressure after the Red Devils lost 4-1 to Como in the Champions League.
Having dealt with Lisandro Martinez slamming the board last week, club captain Bruno Fernandes hit out at the manager’s tactics to pile more misery on Carrick. As for Howe - who left the Magpies in July - he is the bookmakers’ favourite to take charge should Man United pull the trigger.
Alan Shearer on Eddie Howe talk
Speaking to Betfair, Toon icon Shearer discussed the current mess at Old Trafford. While Howe remains the favourite, the power dynamic would undoubtedly be different to the one he enjoyed on Tyneside.
“I guess you don't have to be on the inside to think and know what's going on at Manchester United,” Shearer said. “In recent years, they've been through Ralf Rangnick, Erik Ten Hag and Rúben Amorim as managers.
“Behind the scenes, there was the Dan Ashworth situation, which saw them pay Newcastle compensation for recruiting him, before Ashworth left after only a few months in the job. Then there is the poor recruitment, the arguing over ticket prices and general discord between ownership and fans. There's so much going on there that highlights the problems at the club.
“Is Antonio Conte the answer for Manchester United? I've no idea how much Conte wants a job and I wonder if prospective managers would look at the state United are in, the many managers they've hired and fired, and decide it's not the right job at the right time. Eddie Howe has also been linked. He wants control of things but, whether he would get that at Manchester United, I don't know.”
Eddie Howe stance and Manchester United links
According to reports earlier this month, Howe has already rejected an approach from Ligue 1 club Rens. But that is not to suggest he would snub an early return if the right opportunity came along.
He is currently the bookmakers’ favourite - priced at just 9/4 - to replace Carrick at Man United. Alternative names in the running include Julian Nagelsmann (7/2), Antonio Conte (6/1) and Fabian Hurzeler (7/1).
An opportunity at Old Trafford would undoubtedly appeal to Howe despite their struggles in recent years. When assessing his next move, the 48-year-old will look at the wider football project and he has experience of building foundations at Bournemouth and Newcastle.