Shearer weighs in as Howe linked with Manchester United move

Eddie Howe's name continues to be linked with the vacant, or soon-to-be vacant, Manchester United job, and it's Newcastle legend Alan Shearer who has been getting the headlines with his thoughts on the matter.

The Mag reports that Shearer has given his verdict on the possibility of Howe taking charge at Old Trafford, addressing the issues surrounding such a move should it materialise (The Mag). It's a subject close to home for Shearer, given his own history with both clubs.

Chronicle Live picks up on Shearer's own experience, noting that he once snubbed Manchester United himself and suggesting Howe could do the same given the "relegation mess" United find themselves in (Chronicle Live). That framing paints United's current situation as a genuine deterrent rather than an automatic draw for whoever is considered for the role.

The Sun adds some personal context to the discussion, revealing that Shearer turned down a Championship manager job before becoming a BBC Match of the Day pundit, a decision he made after watching Newcastle get relegated (The Sun). While that story is about Shearer's own career path rather than Howe directly, it ties into the wider narrative of Shearer being well placed to speak on managerial decisions and loyalty to Newcastle given his own history of knockbacks.

Taken together, all three outlets have Shearer front and centre of the conversation around Howe and Manchester United, with Chronicle Live and The Mag focusing on his direct comments about the current Newcastle boss, and The Sun using his past choices to add weight to the idea that big, tempting jobs aren't always taken. For Newcastle supporters, the throughline is reassuring: a club legend essentially making the case for loyalty over jumping ship, even when a huge name like Manchester United comes calling.

With Howe's future at St James' Park under the microscope because of outside interest, fans will be watching closely to see whether this speculation has any bearing on team affairs ahead of the visit of Everton.

Written with the help of AI, using the headlines from the publishers credited above. Each point links to the original report — tap the source name to read it in full.