Manchester United get boost in pursuit of Michael Carrick replacement as 'compensation halved'

Newcastle's compensation fee for Eddie Howe has halved to £3m, easing Manchester United's path to appointing him if they sack Michael Carrick.

Manchester United have learned the terms for appointing Eddie Howe as manager should they decide to sack Michael Carrick. Howe departed Newcastle United in the summer under a contract that entitles the Magpies to compensation if he takes a new job within a certain timeframe. A clause in his Newcastle deal has now halved that compensation figure after a set period. The initial fee was reportedly £6m, but it has now dropped to £3m. This could significantly ease United's pursuit of Howe, who remains one of three managerial candidates the club is considering alongside Julian Nagelsmann and Antonio Conte. Carrick survived the sack after a run of eight games without a victory, most recently a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, but pressure remains on the former midfielder.