Liverpool icon John Barnes has issued a warning to Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe following speculation linking him to the Manchester United job.
The Red Devils are in search of a new permanent head coach after announcing the dismissal of Erik ten Hag on Monday.
Howe’s name has surfaced among potential candidates, with bookmakers Sky Bet listing him as a 25/1 shot for the role.
Barnes emphasized the need for Howe to carefully consider the implications of such a move.
“While Manchester United is undoubtedly a bigger club than Newcastle, the question is whether things would improve for him there,” Barnes stated.
He noted that Newcastle players are fully committed to Howe, unlike the uncertain atmosphere that might exist at Old Trafford.
“If he were to join United, it could be a case of jumping straight out of the frying pan and into the fire,” he warned.
Barnes acknowledged that the Manchester United position is appealing for any ambitious manager, but he highlighted the myriad issues currently plaguing the club.
Howe, widely regarded as one of the top English managers today, has transformed Newcastle since taking the helm in November 2021.
At that time, the Magpies were struggling in the relegation zone, yet he guided them to an 11th-place finish.
In the subsequent 2022-23 season, Howe led the team to a remarkable fourth-place finish, securing Champions League qualification and reaching the Carabao Cup final, where they were runners-up to Ten Hag’s United.
Despite a dip in form last season, which saw Newcastle finish seventh due to several key injuries, Howe’s side is expected to compete for Champions League spots again this year.
However, they currently sit six points adrift of the top four following a sluggish start.
Howe’s legendary status also stems from his successful tenure at AFC Bournemouth, where he took the club from the bottom of League Two to the Premier League, marking a historic achievement in two managerial spells.