Howe may not have the same superstar pedigree as Zinedine Zidane – the bookies’ favourite to succeed the floundering Mourinho.
But as United have found with Mourinho and predecessor Louis van Gaal, appointing a big name boss does not always guarantee success.
In many ways Howe is a throwback to the United of a bygone era, when honing and developing young players was deemed more important than Mourinho’s model of chucking money at the problem.
Fed-up United fans brought up watching the swashbuckling football of Sir Alex Ferguson regularly scream "attack, attack, attack" as they are being bored to death by Mourinho’s pragmatic playing style.
There would be no such issues with Howe, who has made Bournemouth the entertainers of the Premier League.
United’s hallmark used to be snatching points late in matches and Howe has instilled the same never-say-die attitude in his players, who have become renowned for scoring in Fergie-time.
The comparisons between Ferguson and Howe do not end there.
Much like Britain’s most successful club manager, Howe has built a dynasty at Dean Court and when they do finally press ahead with plans to build a new stadium Howe should not just have a stand named after him like Fergie but the whole ground.
Do not be fooled by Howe’s soft exterior, he can dish out the hairdryer when he wants to as former Everton and Manchester City defender Sylvian Distin will testify.
Howe also possesses the Scot’s ruthless streak as he has shown by moving on several club stalwarts, including Championship-winning captain Tommy Elphick weeks after sealing promotion.
While he has some way to go to match Ferguson’s 26-year reign at United, Howe has proved his loyalty to Bournemouth with nine years’ managerial service over two stints despite offers from bigger clubs.
Like Fergie, Howe’s own playing career was far from distinguished, but that only fuels his hunger to succeed in the dugout.
Fergie knew how to move with the times and forward-thinking Howe is constantly trying new techniques to keep his team punching above their weight, like inviting star sportsmen to hold motivational talks after training.
While Mourinho is often at logger-heads with United greats like Paul Scholes, Howe would embrace the Red Devils’ glorious history.
Howe also considers carrying out his duties with respect – a far cry from the theatrics we have seen too often from Mourinho.
After the ill-fated David Moyes experiment it would be seen as a gamble to recruit Howe, but one which may just save United from falling further off the famous perch Fergie put them on.
Source: Read Full Article