Eddie Howe was earning £6million a year on Tyneside and was told he couldn't walk away for nothing by Newcastle chiefs

Newcastle United weren't being insincere when they told Eddie Howe they didn't want him to leave at the end of last season.

After the team spluttered to 12th place in the Premier League and ended the campaign potless, Howe was told he was the man who could turn things around at St James' Park if he wanted to, but there would be changes to the club's transfer policy. In short, Howe would have had less control on recruitment than before, while a younger, fresher squad would be built, offering less established stars the chance to shine on a bigger stage.

But within a few days of pre-season, Howe - who had already lost Anthony Gordon and was then told Sandro Tonali would be going to Tottenham Hotspur - took a look at what he had at his disposal and opted against the challenge ahead, given the extra energy and demands that rebuilding the Magpies would take.

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Howe's decision to walk away was accepted by the Newcastle board, but it wasn't unconditional. Indeed, as Chronicle Live reported yesterday, the head coach's exit would only be granted if it was agreed that any early return to management would come with financial sanctions for his next employer. It was a smart move by the Newcastle board because, for all Howe had just endured a disappointing season, he was still one of the sought-after managers in Europe.

Having already turned down a job at Champions League Lens, Howe is very much on Jason Wilcox's Manchester United wish-list, with the Red Devils told of the multi-million payment they will have to give to Newcastle if they want his services. Newcastle would never let a talented player walk away mid-contract to land a lucrative free transfer at another club, and the same applies to Howe.

The news on the "significant" compensation package owed to Newcastle from any potential suitors for the ex-Bournemouth boss coincides with Michael Carrick going into extra time in the Old Trafford dugout. The Wallsend lad remains under immense pressure and has told Man United he will do whatever is right for the club.

And if that means treading water until the Red Devils find a new boss, the compliant Carrick will do precisely that because of his love for the fallen Premier League giants. Howe could still end up at Man United - despite some high-level opposition to the idea from fan groups and influencers - but only if Sir Jim Ratcliffe sanctions a big cheque to Newcastle.

It wouldn't be the first time that Sir Jim had approached Newcastle for members of staff on gardening leave after his move for Dan Ashworth in 2024. Back then the Man United supremo said: "I think it’s a bit silly, personally. I won’t get dragged into that. What I do think is completely absurd is suggesting a man who is really good at his job sits in his garden for one and a half years.

"I think Dan Ashworth is a 10/10 sporting director — one of the best around. He would be very good for Manchester United. It is understandable that somebody like Dan would see the Manchester United job as a very interesting challenge at this stage of his career."

Eventually, Man United paid up for Ashworth only to then pay him off FIVE months later in a costly old affair. So being turned a little cold by the idea of handing Newcastle another cheque is perhaps understandable.

Newcastle won't want to do Man United any favours, given their rivalry in the Premier League. Throw in the fact that the Red Devils have also spent time admiring Lewis Hall in recent months and still think they can get him, not to mention the small matter of Howe and Hall sharing an agent, Newcastle are right to stand their ground on compensation terms.

Seeing Howe back in work so soon and suddenly managing against Newcastle in the top-flight is a leg up to a rival the Magpies could do without. So it is is only right that if it does happen, Newcastle walk away with a decent cheque off the back of it.