Premier League boss “tempted” by Manchester United reunion if Erik ten Hag is sacked

Eddie Howe is reportedly interested in the Manchester United job should Erik ten Hag be sacked from his role at the club.

Erik ten Hag is under high levels of pressure at Manchester United after poor results have left them 12th in the Premier League table and wallowing in the Europa League.

Back-to-back 3-0 home defeats against Liverpool and Tottenham were the final straw for many, but despite the expectation of the Dutchman being sacked during the international break, he remains in charge.

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A 0-0 draw against Aston Villa a few weeks ago and a 2-1 comeback win against Brentford has softened the critics for now, but a looming question remains over Ten Hag’s head.

Howe ‘interested’ in the job

With many talking about potential replacements, former Manchester United scout Mick Brown says current Newcastle boss Eddie Howe would be tempted to take the job should the Dutch boss be released of his duties.

“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.”

A reunion at United

If Howe were to end up as the man in the dugout at Old Trafford, he would be reunited with a man he’s worked very close with over the last few years.

Current United sporting director Dan Ashworth was at Newcastle in the same position prior to his move to Old Trafford, and the pair worked together. However, when Ashworth left, it was not on the brightest of terms, with Howe insinuating that he may be taking secrets.

“Recruitment is a 365-day-a-year job,” Howe said in Feburary 2024. “It never sleeps and, yes, Dan is in a position of power and privy to a lot of intelligence and information. That’s why it’s a slightly unusual situation.”

Continued, Howe commented: “Dan’s had a relatively short time here. Newcastle is a huge football club, and it will continue to work in a very efficient way regardless of who is here.

“We’ve got some very, very capable people here in all departments, so we would carry on very smoothly. Since they have come to the football club the board have run it really well.”

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