[Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent
Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/pete-o-rourke-transfer-correspondent)
Transfer Correspondent AUTHORITY Former Sky Sports and ESPN FC correspondent who specialises in global recruitment, contract negotiations, and high-velocity transfer breaking news. FOCUS Exclusive reporting, domestic and international transfer markets, and elite-level insights. THE INSIGHT Pete utilises a Global Network of Industry Sources to deliver verified, first-to-market reporting. His “Deep-Lens” analysis connects the dots between boardroom strategy and pitch-level recruitment, providing a level of transfer clarity that goes beyond surface-level rumours.
The 48-year-old has taken a "break" from football after leaving Newcastle in the summer, but he is now prepared to return to the game.
The top job at Old Trafford is of clear appeal to the Englishman, and it is understood that he would back himself to be a success in the role.
It would also be an "easier" appointment for the Red Devils than the likes of Unai Emery, who would require a significant compensation fee.
United feel that Howe would be a good fit for the role, and he is also very much open to the idea of taking it on.
Eddie Howe to take next step of managerial journey
Howe's journey through management has been remarkable so far, and a move to United could provide him with the next rung on the ladder.
He first took charge of Bournemouth with the Cherries sitting 10 points adrift of safety in League Two back in 2009, but never looked back after taking the job.
He guided the unfancied South Coast outfit all the way to the Premier League, either side of a brief stint at Burnley, and stabilised them as a top-flight club.
Since then, he has taken on the challenge of Champions League football with Newcastle, and knows what it takes to perform at a club with big expectations.
Howe's win percentage stands at a healthy 57 per cent in the Premier League, and he also guided Newcastle to their first domestic trophy in 70 years.
All of those achievements are recognised by the United hierarchy, who have a growing belief that he could be the right man to take over from Michael Carrick.
The club captain recently spoke out against Carrick's tactics, and was left as an unused substitute for the defeat to Bournemouth last weekend.
The 32-year-old has had regular interest from clubs in Saudi Arabia in recent years, and that is expected to re-emerge once again.