[Stefan Borson
Stefan Borson](https://www.footballinsider247.com/author/stefan-borson)
Howe has emerged as one of the frontrunners to replace Michael Carrick if and when the Man United legend is finally relieved of his duties at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils, however, would have to pay a £6million compensation fee to the Magpies, a stumbling block that has Borson baffled.
United's owners have made no secret of their cost-cutting tactics at the Theatre of Dreams, but even this seems a little excessive.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Borson has lashed out at the owners' running of Man United, with Howe's £6m fee appearing to play a role in Carrick's future.
"It's believable. But I'm confused as to why it seems to be a hurdle for Man United. They're just not behaving like a proper top football club," he said.
"They're making decisions based on, I don't know, £3million. If it was £3m, they'd be okay with it. But if it's £6m, it's like, 'We must wait'.
"And that seems, to me, to be completely absurd. But I think there's a bigger problem anyway with some of the new managers. The squad isn't suited for every manager.
"So if you look at say an Eddie Howe, and the physicality that he wants in midfield and that he had at Newcastle United, it isn't there."
Eddie Howe's stance on job at Old Trafford
Right now, it doesn't really matter how other managers feel about the Man United job, with Carrick remaining in charge, for now at least.
Either way, Football Insider understands that Howe is ready to end his short break from football and take on the job at Old Trafford.