Eddie Howe has emerged as the favourite for the Manchester United job after Michael Carrick’s tricky start to the season.
Eddie Howe is now the clear front-runner to succeed Michael Carrick at Manchester United.
Despite only taking the job permanently in May, the pressure is already beginning to mount on Carrick. Just one win in the opening five fixtures - including a Carabao Cup exit at home to Brighton - has raised concerns.
Carrick rejuvenated the Red Devils from January onwards to secure Champions League qualification. However, the vultures are already circling and asking whether he will last the season.
Eddie Howe the favourite
Bookmakers have already made Howe the 15/8 favourite should Man United pull the trigger. The 48-year-old left Newcastle United in July, believing the club needed fresh energy to move forward.
This came after an underwhelming campaign where the Magpies finished 12th in the Premier League. However, his stock remains high due to the job he did over four-and-a-half years at St James’ Park.
Howe has returned down south and is staying away from the limelight following his Newcastle departure. It remains to be seen whether an opportunity at Old Trafford could tempt the former Toon boss to end his break from football early.
What Eddie Howe has said about Manchester United
Amid speculation linking him to Man United in January, Howe reaffirmed his commitment to Newcastle. That connection no longer exists now he is a free agent.
"Yes, absolutely,” Howe said when asked if he is focused on the Magpies. “Nothing has changed from my perspective. I'm 100 per cent here, working as hard as I can, head down, ignoring all the stuff that you guys write good or bad because it's irrelevant.
“It's about today's work and trying to prepare the team as well as we can for Leeds, so that will never change from my perspective, my commitment to my work and my job. As long as I'm happy and able to express myself in the best way that I can to help the team, nothing will change."