What Eddie Howe said about his tactics at Newcastle reminds me a lot of what Sir Alex Ferguson used to do at Man Utd.
Michael Carrick is close to being let go by Manchester United after their tough 3-0 loss to Bournemouth, with Eddie Howe now the top choice to take over.
Old Trafford was a gloomy place on Sunday as goals from Marcus Tavernier, Rayan, and Evanilson pushed United to a new low, just days after their disappointing 4-1 defeat to Como in the Champions League.
Carrick is expected to step down, even though he signed a two-year deal just months ago. The 45-year-old will likely be replaced by former Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.
Sky Sports reported on Monday that Howe is open to talks with United if they decide to part ways with Carrick. The club sees Howe as the main candidate to take the job.
Howe left Newcastle in July after four and a half years, saying he felt tired and needed a break. He was also unhappy with how the club handled transfers, especially selling key players like Anthony Gordon, Bruno Guimaraes, and Sandro Tonali.
Some wonder why the 48-year-old would want to take on a tough job at a struggling Manchester United, but if he does, it’s clear what type of football he’d bring. In 2021, Howe said, “We love to attack, play fast, and stay on the front foot. I want quick, energetic team movement. We try to win games, not just wait for the other team to take over. It’s a brave way to play, but it’s how I know.”
This exciting, attacking style was popular with Newcastle fans during his time there, helping them win the Carabao Cup against Liverpool in 2025 and qualify for the Champions League twice. Newcastle’s strong attacking lineup included players like Gordon, Alexander Isak, and Guimaraes before they were sold. United fans will hope to see a similar energetic style from Howe.
When Sir Alex Ferguson led Manchester United for 26 years, he built a fast, attacking style of play based on quick moves and strong mental spirit — much like what Howe did at Newcastle. Right now, United’s style is very different from that, but Howe could bring a fresh plan that excites fans again.
Ferguson once said in 2021 about Howe, “He had a great run at Bournemouth as a young manager. Even though he was relegated, that doesn’t mean he’s not good—I think he is a good manager.”
So, Howe is well respected by one of football’s best ever managers. If he takes the job, he’ll want to prove Ferguson right. Then, it will be up to the players to step up, embrace his style, and stop holding themselves back like they did under Carrick—which is part of why Carrick’s job is now in danger.