Michael Owen believes Newcastle would be wrong to sack Eddie Howe as the 48-year-old prepares for tonight’s FA Cup showdown with Aston Villa.
Howe has found himself facing scrutiny in recent weeks, with the Magpies enduring a difficult campaign so far.
Prior to Tuesday night’s 2-1 Premier League win over Tottenham, they’d failed to win any of their last five matches across all competitions.
Howe insists he’s still the right man for the job, with the Englishman adamant he’s happy where he is despite tentative links to the likes of Manchester United and Spurs.
And former Newcastle striker Owen, who is now the UK ambassador for the online casino comparison site Casino.org, believes his old side would be making a huge mistake if they were to relieve Howe of his duties.
“Put it this way, if he got sacked, he would walk into the next managerial job that comes up.
“Man Utd, Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, England, after the World Cup, he could walk into any of them, he’s that good.
Michael Owen believes Newcastle would be wrong to sack Eddie Howe as the 48-year-old prepares for tonight’s FA Cup showdown with Aston Villa
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PA
“So if Newcastle want to part with him, be my guest, you are not going to get better.
“He is the most sought after manager around. He is an incredible manager and everybody would be queuing up for him.
“Newcastle have got one of the very best. Champions League football, League Cup winners, there’s not much more he could have done with budgets available in my opinion.
Nick Woltemade has blown hot and cold for Newcastle this season
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REUTERS“I think he is a top manager and they should stick with him.”
Newcastle’s summer signings have contributed to their dip in form this season.
Nick Woltemade, Anthony Elanga and Yoanne Wissa were all signed but big fees yet have failed to improve the team.
Woltemade has even been linked with a move back to Germany amid his inconsistent displays. Owen believes the forward has done well enough but does sympathy for Newcastle given how FFP rules restrict them in the market.
“I think Woltemade has done OK,” he stated. “He has scored goals, but longer term, I don’t think Woltemade is suited for Newcastle and the style of football they play.
“Not everyone can be a success and some you win, some you lose in football. So you can’t hang someone based on one or two signings.
Michael Owen thinks Sandro Tonali could leave Newcastle at the end of the season
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PA“The [financial] rules are killing them at the moment. They want to spend more money and challenge, but financial stuff is hurting them a lot.
“I know Howe didn’t want to lose Elliot Anderson, but had to do this for balancing the books.”
One player being linked with a move away from Newcastle is Sandro Tonali, with Arsenal and Manchester United emerging as potential suitors.
Owen thinks the Italy international could end up departing if the price is right.
“The player has all the power now and if the right fee is met, then yes he will leave,” he added. “Exactly the same as [Alexander] Isak.
“It’s a shame, but as mentioned above, the rules are hurting Newcastle and sometimes they have to balance the books and Tonali could be the one to make way for Eddie Howe to recruit in the summer.”
