Manchester United could face a significant financial hurdle if they want to replace head coach Michael Carrick with their preferred candidate.
According to The Telegraph, the Red Devils would have to pay up to £6 million in compensation to Newcastle United if they want to appoint Eddie Howe.
The 48-year-old has emerged as a leading contender to take over from Carrick, whose position is increasingly under threat following a disastrous start to the 2026-27 campaign.
United have won just two of their 12 matches this season and are now hovering dangerously close to the Premier League relegation zone.
Their humiliating defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion also brought their Carabao Cup campaign to an abrupt end.
Things have been equally concerning in Europe, with two defeats in their opening three UEFA Champions League group-stage matches leaving United facing an uphill battle to reach the next round.
Heavy and embarrassing losses to Como and Bournemouth have further intensified the scrutiny surrounding Carrick, leaving the United boss on the brink of losing his job.
Technical director Jason Wilcox prefers replacing Carrick with Howe as the 48-year-old possesses a vast Premier League experience.
Howe resigned from his managerial position at Newcastle in July.
The Englishman still had several years remaining on his contract, prompting Newcastle to include a degree of protection should he move to a rival club in the months following his exit.
That clause could now prove costly for United, with INEOS facing a major decision over whether Howe is worth the potential £6m outlay.
United already came under for failing to strengthen their squad sufficiently during the summer transfer window, with financial constraints cited as a key reason behind their limited recruitment.
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