Manchester United may owe up to £6 million if Eddie Howe is hired as manager
United could face a compensation claim of around £6 million from Newcastle if they replace Michael Carrick with former Tyneside boss Eddie Howe, amid ongoing discussions about the club's managerial future.
Manchester United is reportedly preparing for a potential compensation payment of up to £6 million to Newcastle United if the club decides to appoint Eddie Howe as manager following Michael Carrick's departure. Howe, who left Newcastle in July after a four-and-a-half-year tenure, still has several years remaining on his contract, and Newcastle is said to have included a clause to protect against a move to a rival club.
United officials, including director of football Jason Wilcox and chief executive Omar Berrada, have been in extended crisis talks at the Carrington training complex, while co-owners Sir Jim Ratcliffe and Joel Glazer have been consulted via video link. The club is also reportedly monitoring other candidates such as Julian Nagelsmann, Unai Emery and Fabian Hürzeler, though securing any of them would likely involve complex negotiations.
Carrick, who left the training base on Monday evening, has not confirmed his future. In a statement he said, "> I totally understand the situation. I’m not expecting anything either way. I’m carrying on as normal. I love this place. I’ll always do what I feel is going to be the best for the football club and I won’t change that now, whatever decision is made."
The managerial uncertainty follows United's recent poor run of form, including a 3-0 loss to Bournemouth that left the team just one point above the relegation zone. Former players and pundits have suggested that Carrick's position is untenable, but no official decision has been announced.