Manchester United are already set to take Newcastle United’s sporting director, and now their search for a new manager could have implications on Tyneside.
But that is not because they want Eddie Howe to follow Dan Ashworth and swap St James’ Park for Old Trafford. The former FA chief is set to make the move, once the two parties can agree on a compensation package.
It is all change at Manchester United following the partial takeover. Sir Jim Ratcliffe is now in charge of football operations, and his project to restore the Red Devils to their former glories is under way.
It includes Dan Ashworth becoming sporting director, and it could also include a new manager taking charge of the team.
Manchester United want Gareth Southgate
According to the Daily Star, Ratcliffe wants England boss Gareth Southgate to replace Erik ten Hag as Manchester United manager this summer.
Despite a dramatic FA Cup quarter final win over Liverpool on Sunday, the report states that Ratcliffe is not convinced that Ten Hag is the man to continue leading Man United, with Southgate the front runner to take his place.
The Daily Star add that the decision would have the backing of Ashworth, as he has a close relationship with Southgate after working together for the FA.
And if that move did come to fruition, then suddenly England would need a new manager. And that is why Newcastle United should be keeping an eye on proceedings.
That could be bad news for Newcastle United and Eddie Howe
For a long time, Eddie Howe has been touted as a future England manager. And his stock has only increased since taking over at Newcastle United.
England could be on the lookout for a new manager soon, especially if Southgate does return to club management and take over at Old Trafford after Euro 2024.
If that is the case then surely Howe will be in contention. That is what Bruno Guimaraes certainly thinks, having previously suggested that the Newcastle manager could take charge of the Three Lions in the future.
In fact, Geordie Boot Boys was told last year that Howe is on the FA’s shortlist of options to replace Southgate when the times comes. That time could arrive as soon as this summer, which could give Howe the opportunity to leave Newcastle.
Whether it is an opportunity that he would take is a debate for another day, but it is certainly one to keep an eye on.
The post Newcastle should be very interested in who Jim Ratcliffe wants to be Man United manager next season - opinion appeared first on Geordie Boot Boys.