Manchester United are continuing their search for not only a caretaker manager but a permanent head coach to replace Ruben Amorim.
Manchester United legend Roy Keane
Manchester United legend Roy Keane(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)
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Roy Keane is never short of an opinion on Manchester United and his response to Ruben Amorim's sacking was highly anticipated. "I'd go Eddie Howe. I like him," the United legend said when asked who he would like to take over at United. "I like what he's done, his management. He's managed a lot of games, when his teams are at it, they play good football.
"I know he's not for everyone, he'll have his critics but I like what he's done at Newcastle and Bournemouth, he's managed 700 to 800 games, he's still a young man. I love his calmness, I think sometimes Man United need a bit of that.
"We've seen the previous manager going in - I like people with emotion, obviously I'm quite an emotional person - but I think his calmness, what he's done at Newcastle, Champions League a couple of times, winning the (League) Cup. I'd be happy to see him go in there."
If calmness is the characteristic Keane wants to see most in the next United manager, he is in luck. Howe carried himself with decency during the incredibly tough period where Alexander Isak went on strike to force a move to Liverpool. Looking back now, Howe's handling of the situation has aged well.
While not quite at the same level, Howe has also experienced the pressures of managing a side that wants immediate success. The Englishman had his critics considering the amount of money available to Newcastle, but he has delivered Champions League football and a trophy-winning season during his rebuild.
Both of those accomplishments would have been a dream for Amorim had at stayed at Old Trafford, so on paper Howe has the CV to be a success. He is also someone who fits the Ineos philosophy.
Sir Dave Brailsford was asked by Dan Ashworth and Howe to address the Newcastle squad in July 2022 and the former Bournemouth head coach spoke warmly about the 'marginal gains' expert. "I have been aware of Sir Dave's approach and his incredible achievements at the very elite level of sport for a long time, and I was delighted to finally meet him," Howe said.
Eddie Howe
Eddie Howe has been linked with the Manchester United vacancy(Image: Newcastle United via Getty Image)
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"He has overseen so much success in specific disciplines, but his principles are transferable to any competitive sporting environment. It was great for him to spend some time with the group, to share his insights and to stimulate thought and discussion as we approach the new season."
All of this points to Howe being a very good fit for the Reds. Perhaps unlike Amorim, he would not be caught by surprise by the media responsibilities nor the size of the club if he were to be given the job, and he does not need to learn the lay of the land in the Premier League.
That being said, Howe has already ruled himself out of the running for the United job and sadly for Keane, United's previous actions would likely have scuppered any chance of Howe joining. Howe may not have a job for life at St James' Park but he has far greater job security in the north east than he would in the north west.
Ratcliffe has proven he cannot offer a new manager as much as a year-and-a-half to turn the club around. Howe will have been at Newcastle for six years by the time August rolls around and during this period, the board have backed him and have not been tempted to chop and change.
Their reward? Newcastle are now in a stronger position and are constantly challenging for the Champions League spots while going deep into domestic competitions. Would Howe get the same patience from Ineos? It seems very unlikely now.
It is no surprise that Howe has ruled himself out of the United managerial position already. He has seen what the current United board have done with managers.
Ratcliffe and Ineos have not made the job an enticing prospect with their recent decisions. That's going to be a huge hurdle they will need to overcome when appointing a permanent replacement for Amorim.