As well as doubts from some supporters about Howe’s potential appointment, there has also been speculation about how he would fit into United’s football structure.
At both Bournemouth and Newcastle, Howe developed a strong power base in all aspects of the football department, including recruitment.
This dynamic was not without financial benefit to Howe’s employers.
The likes of Nathan Ake, Callum Wilson and Tyrone Mings were all signed by Howe at Bournemouth and sold by the Cherries for huge returns.
Meanwhile at Newcastle, Howe was instrumental in the signings of Bruno Guimaraes, Antoni Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak – all of whom were sold for more than they joined. Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are among those who became full England players under his tutelage.
But with a football management structure at Old Trafford that includes Berrada, Wilcox and Wivell, it is likely that Howe will not – at least not immediately – be afforded the same level of autonomy.
Howe notes that he is happy to work alongside sporting directors and has the experience to do so – first at Bournemouth under Richard Hughes and then chief executive Neill Blake.
At Newcastle he worked closely with senior managers Dan Ashworth, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi – so fitting into the Manchester United structure would not be drastically different.
Given the odds, we’ll never know if he’ll want the job. And finally, what really matters is the opinion of Manchester United’s decision makers.