Eddie Howe Shuts Down Manchester United Talk, Insists He Is Happy At Newcastle

Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe has played down speculation linking him with the Manchester United job, insisting he is content at St James’ Park and not looking for a move.

The rumours gathered pace after United parted ways with Ruben Amorim on Monday, but Howe was quick to dismiss any suggestion that he could be tempted away from Tyneside.

“No. Not at this current time,” Howe said when asked if anything could lure him from Newcastle.

“The most important thing for me is happiness in the role, happiness in the job, the relationships that I have with the people around me.

“That has not always been consistently good. Things can change at any football club, but I’m very happy at the moment.”

Howe has been in charge of Newcastle United since November 2021 and is one of the longest-serving managers in the Premier League. Only Pep Guardiola, Mikel Arteta and Marco Silva have spent more time in their current roles.

His time at Newcastle has not been without internal challenges. Last summer saw tensions with former sporting director Paul Mitchell, who left the club after less than a year. Since then, however, Howe has forged a positive working relationship with Mitchell’s replacement, Ross Wilson.

Wilson is the third sporting director Howe has worked with during his spell at the club, while David Hopkinson is the second chief executive he has dealt with following the departure of Darren Eales due to ill health.

Despite the changes behind the scenes, Howe stressed that his focus remains on doing his job in an environment where he feels supported.

“I’m content here as long as I can express myself in the best way possible and be the best version of myself,” he said.

On the pitch, Newcastle sit ninth in the Premier League, just two points off fifth place. They have also reached the semi-finals of the Carabao Cup and are well placed for a last-16 play-off spot in the Champions League.

Howe continues to enjoy strong backing from the club’s majority owners, the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, as well as minority shareholder Jamie Reuben.

“For any club to be successful, there has to be unity from top to bottom,” Howe added. “There has to be a good feeling between everyone.

“I’ve had an unbelievable relationship with the board. That’s never changed.

“I consider myself very lucky to have that because there are very few managers who have the time to build those relationships.

“To have the confidence and trust within each other is really important. Hopefully that stays for a long time.”