Manchester United would have to pay Newcastle United about £3 million in compensation if they want to make Eddie Howe their next manager. Howe is the prime candidate of director of football Jason Wilcox and wants the job, placing him at the centre of United’s search for a successor to Michael Carrick.
Carrick is expected to be removed only when a deal for his successor has been finalised, and he expects to take training on Tuesday. His position was discussed by Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada after United’s 3-0 home defeat by Bournemouth, a result that made it eight games without a win.
The compensation requirement stems from the terms agreed when Howe left Newcastle in July. A deal was struck over the remaining terms of his contract, meaning Newcastle would be due compensation. United would also have to pay Newcastle a minor sum for Howe’s staff, headed by his assistant, Jason Tindall.
There is also an alternative being pushed within United’s recruitment structure. Christopher Vivell, the club’s director of recruitment, has been making the case for Julian Nagelsmann, the former Germany and Bayern Munich head coach. Even so, Howe remains Wilcox’s prime candidate, with Carrick’s expected presence at training indicating that no change has yet been completed.