Manchester United’s start to the 2024-2025 campaign has been nothing short of disappointing, leaving fans and analysts questioning the club’s direction. After five matches, the Red Devils are stuck in 11th place in the Premier League. Their struggles were further exposed when they were held to a draw by FC Twente in their opening Europa League game at Old Trafford, underlining their ongoing issues.
Despite a hefty summer spending spree that saw several new players added to the squad, the performances on the pitch have yet to reflect the investment. The team has failed to deliver the quality expected from a club of Manchester United’s stature, with many of the same weaknesses from last season still evident. This has sparked growing concerns over the future of manager Erik ten Hag, as questions continue to arise about his ability to turn things around.
With pressure mounting on Ten Hag, rumors are swirling about his job security. Reports have emerged that the Manchester United board is already considering potential replacements for the Dutchman, should the poor results persist. According to Football Insider, one name under serious consideration is Newcastle United’s Eddie Howe.
Howe, who has built a solid reputation at Newcastle, has recently experienced friction with the club’s sporting director, Paul Mitchell. Their public disagreement has raised speculation about Howe’s long-term future at St James’ Park. Manchester United is said to be closely monitoring the situation, viewing Howe as a possible successor to Ten Hag if a managerial change becomes necessary.
The 46-year-old Howe is highly respected within football circles, and his Premier League track record has not gone unnoticed by United’s top brass. Under his leadership, Newcastle has undergone a remarkable transformation, securing a Champions League spot for the first time in years. His achievements have caught the eye of Manchester United’s hierarchy, who admire both his managerial approach and his calm demeanor with the media.
While Ten Hag has struggled to extract consistent performances from his squad, particularly in their quest for a top-four finish, Howe’s success at Newcastle has made him an appealing alternative. However, Newcastle is unlikely to let Howe leave without resistance. The club values his contributions and remains eager to retain his services after the progress made under his guidance.
That said, the power dynamics at Newcastle have shifted since Paul Mitchell’s appointment as sporting director, and tensions between him and Howe could impact the manager’s future. Should the relationship deteriorate further, it’s possible Howe might seek a move to a club with greater ambition, such as Manchester United.
For now, the situation at Manchester United remains delicate. Ten Hag appeared secure in his role after a promising summer, but as the team’s struggles continue, his position may come under increased scrutiny. If results don’t improve soon, a managerial change could become a real possibility, with Howe emerging as a prime candidate to take over at Old Trafford given his Premier League success and ability to rejuvenate clubs.
As the season progresses, both Manchester United’s results and the evolving dynamics at Newcastle will be closely watched. If United’s struggles persist and Howe becomes available, the chances of a managerial switch could increase. However, with uncertainty still looming over Howe’s future at Newcastle, this situation is far from resolved, and the coming months will be crucial for both clubs.
