Howe Makes Stand Clear on United Move; Interim Boss Decision Imminent

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has made his position abundantly clear: he has no intention of swapping St James' Park for Old Trafford.

The 48-year-old has been mooted as a potential long-term successor to Ruben Amorim, who departed Manchester United this week. However, The Times has now revealed the reason United have never come knocking—Howe made it plain from the outset that he wasn't interested in the job.

"Howe is said to be more committed than ever to Newcastle," The Times reported. "The Times understands there has been no approach from Manchester United representatives about their vacancy because it was made clear that the 48-year-old had no interest in leaving."

It's a stance that has won admirers, with club legend Roy Keane previously outlining his case for why Howe should have been the answer to United's managerial woes.

Meanwhile, United are pressing ahead with their hunt for an interim solution to shepherd the club through until summer, when a permanent appointment will be made. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Michael Carrick remain the leading candidates for the temporary role.

Fabrizio Romano has suggested a decision is imminent, with an announcement expected within the next week. The timing is significant: United face Manchester City in the Manchester Derby shortly after, and having a new interim boss in place before that fixture is considered important by the club's hierarchy.

"Manchester United already had direct meetings with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with his camp, with Michael Carrick and his camp," Romano explained. "So now we are about to enter into an important weekend, because Manchester United, by next week, want to announce who is going to be their interim manager from now to the end of the season."

He added: "Why? Because next week there is Manchester United facing Manchester City, the Manchester Derby, and so to have the new interim head coach is something important also for Manchester United. Solskjaer remains very ready to take the job. Michael Carrick calls in conversation. Let's follow the situation. But for sure, Man United are very close to making their final decision for the interim manager."