Darren Bent has given his verdict on whether Eddie Howe would take the Manchester United job if it were offered to him.
Eddie Howe has established himself as one of the best managers in the Premier League during his time in charge at Newcastle United.
The wily tactician took charge of the club in November 2021 following the sacking of Steve Bruce after PIF’s takeover of the club finally went through a few weeks earlier.
Howe took charge at St. James’ Park with Newcastle languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table and he’s taken them to their second Champions League campaign in less than four years.
Though spending over £700m on new players has certainly fuelled Newcastle’s rise up the ranks, Howe has constantly proven to be an astute manager who has used the wealth at his disposal effectively.
But, as Newcastle learned with the Alexander Isak saga this past summer, they remain in a position where the established big clubs can take their talent away, a category Howe certainly falls into.
There has been no suggestion that Howe, who recently extended his contract with the club, is going anywhere but he will surely have suitors if a big job becomes available.
However, Darren Bent believes one job he would definitely turn down is that of Manchester United.
Eddie Howe sticks his tongue out in concentration.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images
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‘No way’ Eddie Howe leaves Newcastle United for Man Utd
While Newcastle have been climbing up the table, Man Utd have been spiralling downwards for years.
New manager Ruben Amorim has been unable to stop the rot and has only managed to win 40% of his 50 games in charge at Old Trafford so far.
Though he has been repeatedly backed by owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe, the beleaguered Amorim remains under constant pressure and has yet to even win two games in a row after nearly a year in charge.
Despite Man U’s fall from grace over the past decade and having no Champions League football to offer, they still remain a pull for players and beat Newcastle to the signings of Bryan Mbuemo, Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko this past summer.
It’s feasible, therefore, that they could tempt Howe away should Amorim be sacked, but retired striker Bent can’t see it happening.
He said on TalkSport when asked if Howe could go to Manchester: “No way. No way.
“Eddie Howe’s not leaving Newcastle to go to Man United now. Eddie Howe’s next job is England.”
Will Eddie Howe replace Thomas Tuchel as England manager
Thomas Tuchel took charge of England at the start of 2025 but is only contracted until the end of the 2026 World Cup.
The former Chelsea boss has been given one task: win the prestigious tournament. He does not have to concern himself with bringing through new players or developing a football identity.
It’s clearly a short-term appointment with a short-term goal and there’s a strong chance the England job will become available within the next year.
Howe will be a prime candidate.
Not only is he one of the best and most highly-regarded managers in the Premier League, but he is also one of just two English managers in the division and is the best coach from the country by miles.
Given the stupid controversy which inevitably sparked upon the hiring of a German, the FA may wish to hire an English manager for the role next time.
Howe is the only serious contender outside of potentially Lee Carsley, who has said he doesn’t want the job.
Whether Howe wants the position himself remains to be seen, but Newcastle should certainly start preparing a plan for such an outcome.