Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has firmly rejected any possibility of taking the helm at Manchester United, according to fresh reports. This comes despite receiving a public endorsement from former United captain Roy Keane for the role.
United's Managerial Search After Amorim Exit
The managerial position at Old Trafford became vacant after Ruben Amorim was sacked on Monday, January 10, 2026. The club has since placed Darren Fletcher in interim charge while they seek a more permanent solution. United are scheduled to hold talks with former boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer on Saturday about a potential return until the end of the season, a move designed to give the club time to find a long-term successor.
In addition to Solskjaer, the club has also approached Michael Carrick, who previously served as an assistant under the Norwegian. However, one high-profile name now appears definitively off the table.
Keane's Recommendation Falls on Deaf Ears
Earlier this week, United legend Roy Keane publicly championed Eddie Howe as his ideal candidate for the permanent job. Speaking to Sky Sports, Keane praised the Newcastle manager's experience and demeanour.
"I’d go with Eddie Howe. I like him. I like what he’s done," Keane stated. "He’s managed a lot of games. When his teams are at it, they’ll play good football... I love his calmness. Maybe Man Utd need a little bit of that."
Keane specifically highlighted Howe's achievements in guiding Newcastle to the Champions League and winning a cup, expressing he would be "happy to see him go in there."
Howe's Commitment to Newcastle Remains Absolute
Despite the high-profile backing, The Times reports that Manchester United have not made a formal approach for Howe. The reason is simple: it was "made clear" that the 48-year-old has no interest in leaving Newcastle United.
The report emphasises that Howe, who still has over three years remaining on his lucrative £6 million-a-year contract, is "more committed than ever" to the project at St James' Park. His focus remains on continuing the transformative work that has seen Newcastle become contenders for major honours.
Howe's stance has been echoed by Newcastle icon Alan Shearer, who warned the manager against a move to Old Trafford. In comments to Betfair, Shearer described United as a "graveyard for a while for players and coaches," citing a history of poor decisions. He suggested the control and understanding Howe enjoys at Newcastle would be hard to replicate at United, even under the new regime of Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
"He’s said he’s happy at Newcastle, and with the control, being able to do what he wants is key," Shearer said. "It would take a brave man to go there."
With Howe out of the running, Manchester United's search for a leader to revive their fortunes continues, with Solskjaer's potential interim return now looking like the most likely short-term step.
