The Magpies had long courted Thiaw and the 24-year-old was the centre-half Howe really wanted as United set about strengthening their backline in the summer.
But initially Howe wasn't sure whether Thiaw would be available to leave AC Milan and, if he was, expected fierce transfer competition, so admits to having his concerns as to whether Newcastle could win the battle for his signature.
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Had Newcastle not been able to sign Thiaw, there weren't many other options Howe was willing to turn to.
"To a degree I was sort of fearful through the summer because there wasn't a long, long list of players that we felt were good enough to come in and have the impact that Malick has," admits Howe.
"And of course he was playing at a top club. Whether he was ever going to be available was unclear, then if he was available, was there going to be someone else who got him ahead of us? Thankfully that wasn't the case and we were able to secure his signature. I think he was an important signing for us."
Thiaw had to settle for a place on the bench in the early weeks of the season and only played nine minutes in the first four Premier League games.
But since making his first start in the 0-0 draw at Bournemouth, Thiaw has now nailed down a spot in the side with a string of outstanding displays and has started the last eight games.
With Sven Botman a doubt for tonight's Carabao Cup tie against Tottenham, Thiaw is again likely to play rather than be rested.
Reflecting on Thiaw's hugely impressive start, Howe said: "I think if you ask Malick he'd say he had to be a bit patient at the start. Dan [Burn] and Fabby [Fabian Schar] started the season very well and he had a period where he had the opportunity to watch and see the speed of the Premier League, which I always think is helpful.
"Those early games against Aston Villa and Liverpool were probably the best example you can get of the Premier League's bite, really. As a centre-half in particular, you can't come on cold.
"They were useful experiences. Then he trained really well. That's always the big thing for me. You know if you train really well even if you're not playing you'll grab the opportunity when it comes.
"He kept himself mentally fresh, alert, ready. Then when he played he's just been himself. He's an outstanding talent.
"He has a bit of everything in his game, I've been really pleased with how he's started."