Eddie Howe is being considered for the Manchester United manager's job. The 48-year-old, who left St James' Park almost three months ago, is on a shortlist of candidates as pressure builds on current incumbent Michael Carrick.

Dwight Yorke described Howe as a 'standout' candidate to replace Carrick, who is fighting for his future after a poor start to the season. "The Eddie Howe scenario will raise a few eyebrows," Yorke said. Roy Keane also backed Howe for a top job, praising his calmness and experience. "I'd go with Eddie Howe. I like him, I like what he's done," Keane said. "He's managed a lot of games. He's still a young man. I love his calmness."

Howe has taken a break since his Newcastle departure, his only other significant pause being the 15 months between his second stint at Bournemouth and succeeding Steve Bruce. Former Magpies midfielder Chris Waddle believes the manager is ready to return. "He did a great job at Newcastle," Waddle said. "He's sitting on the fence waiting for the right job."

Marc Pugh, a former Bournemouth teammate and one-time Newcastle staff member, suggested Howe should seize the opportunity. "If I were Eddie, I'd jump at the chance," Pugh said. "But to be honest, I think United need someone like Eddie..."

Howe's potential move comes as his former club handles a difficult patch. Newcastle United sit 11th in the Premier League with eight points from seven games, having lost their last two matches. They were beaten 1-0 by Aston Villa last time out and suffered a 4-1 defeat at Coventry before that. The team's recent form reads one win and three losses from their last four outings.

Alvaro Arbeloa's side now face a trip to Selhurst Park to play Crystal Palace on Sunday. Palace are 14th in the standings, making it a key fixture for Newcastle to arrest their slide. The club's full upcoming schedule can be viewed on the fixtures page.

Other names linked with the United post include Antonio Conte, Julian Nagelsmann and Brighton's Fabian Hurzeler. Howe previously distanced himself from speculation last autumn when the role was linked with Ruben Amorim. He also declined an approach from French club RC Lens earlier this year.

The original report is at Chronicle Live