Former Manchester United star makes controversial claim over Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe

Former Manchester United defender Paul Parker doubts whether Eddie Howe has a long-term future at Newcastle United.

Next month will mark the one-year anniversary of Howe’s appointment at St James Park and the former Bournemouth boss has overseen a remarkable change of fortunes during the period.

After guiding the Magpies away from what seemed a near-certain relegation and into the safety of mid-table last season, the momentum has continued into the current campaign and Howe’s men head to Manchester United knowing a win could see them end the weekend in a Champions League place.

Despite that obvious progress, former England full-back Parker insisted Newcastle will target a ‘big-name manager’ in the near-future as their owners look to deliver on their ambitious plans.

He told IndiaBet: “There is a lot of euphoria at this moment with Newcastle. Regardless of what division they are in and where they are, they still cover their seats.

“But I do believe that the owners of Newcastle want a big-name manager. That is the mentality in that part of the world that the owners are from. Because they believe if they get a big-name manager, they get big-name players which could sell the product even better.”

Parker has singled out Bruno Guimaraes as Newcastle’s major threat ahead of this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford.

The Brazil international has hit a purple patch of form since returning from injury and heads into Sunday’s visit to Old Trafford looking to add to his two-goal display in the Magpies home win against Brentford.

Howe has a number of decisions to make ahead of the game as he looks to guide Newcastle to only their second Premier League win at the home of the Red Devils.  Bruno is the only certain starter in Howe’s midfielder, with Sean Longstaff, Joe Willock and Joelinton fighting it out for the other two spots.

Parker sees the midfield area as a position of strength for the Magpies and believes whichever selection is made by Howe has the ability to ‘embarrass’ their hosts.

He said: “Bruno Guimarães is the one I have been most impressed by. He is the one that is scoring goals, and creating goals as well.

“The midfield players from Newcastle are going to embarrass our players with their technical ability, with their passing ability, and with their willingness to want to work hard. Which is a shame, because Manchester United should be at the same level.

“They got really decent players at this moment in time, but I still would always expect Manchester United to beat Newcastle at Old Trafford.”