As well as the doubts from some supporters about Howe’s potential appointment, there has also been conjecture over how he would fit in United’s footballing structure.
At both Bournemouth and Newcastle, Howe developed a strong powerbase in all aspects of the footballing department – including recruitment.
That dynamic wasn’t 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 for a big profit by the Cherries.
At Newcastle, meanwhile, Howe was instrumental in the signings of Bruno Guimarares, Anthony Gordon, Sandro Tonali and Alexander Isak – all of whom were sold for more than they joined for. Dan Burn, Lewis Hall and Tino Livramento are among those to have developed into full England internationals under his coaching.
But with a football management structure at Old trafford that includes Berrada, Wilcox and Vivell, it is likely that Howe – at least not immediately – would not be afforded the same level of autonomy.
Howe, though, is on record saying he is happy to work alongside sporting directors, and has a track record of doing so – firstly at Bournemouth under Richard Hughes, then chief executive Neill Blake.
At Newcastle, he worked closely with senior management figures Dan Ashworth, Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi – so fitting into Manchester United’s structure wouldn’t be drastically different.
Whether he would want the job given the challenges, we may never know. And ultimately it is the opinion of Manchester United’s decision-makers that will truly matter.