Man Utd board face Eddie Howe 'difficulty' as Erik ten Hag replacement shortlist takes shape

They currently sit 14th in the table with just two wins and are already six points adrift of the Champions League places.

United's hierarchy held a meeting in London last week where it was suggested that Ten Hag's future would be discussed.

But the Dutchman has remained in the job with the team set to return to Carrington this week as they prepare to face Brentford on Saturday.

It's been reported that Ten Hag will be given until December to turn things around at United.

However, contingency plans are seemingly being put in place with several managers being looked at.

Thomas Tuchel remains the most obvious pick with the former Bayern Munich boss still out of work after leaving the Bundesliga side in the summer.

Graham Potter has also been linked to the Old Trafford job, but Give Me Sport claim Howe also has his supporters in the United boardroom.

The 46-year-old has said previously that he is 'fully committed to Newcastle' having signed a multi-year deal in 2023.

But it's being reported that Howe will be on the list of possible options United consider should Ten Hag get sacked.

United seem happy to stick with Ten Hag for the time being, but things could quickly change if results don't change.

Going for Howe won't come without its challenges though as the report suggests prising him away from Newcastle could be 'more difficult' than other options who are currently available.

Howe is said to have a release clause of £6million and has also been touted as an option for the FA in finding a permanent England manager.

But the Newcastle boss revealed back in May that the prospect of managing at the international level has never crossed his mind.

“It’s a strange one for me because, when I’m in this mode [in a job], I’m totally oblivious to everything," he said.

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"I’m so focused on the day-to-day, that’s the truth, I don’t lift my head [up] and see what’s going on or what people are saying.

“On the broader subject of the national team, my big memories are watching England in my early years and falling in love with them and wanting them to do well in the major tournaments… having that feeling of devastation when they didn’t quite get over the line.

“I loved that feeling of watching the national team, I love England, I love Gareth and I hope England go on and win the Euros.

"I’ve never really thought about international football for me personally, but who knows what will happen in the future.”