Radically different tone from 'very happy' Howe

Eddie Howe is typically measured, so it is hard to imagine the Newcastle United head coach ever having a more explosive news conference than the one he conducted during a pre-season training camp in Germany in 2024.

Howe spoke about the need to "feel supported and free to work in the way I want to work", before he went on to admit there was "no point in me saying I'm happy staying if the dynamic isn't right".

There was a momentary echo of that afternoon as Howe used some familiar words while discussing his position on Tuesday.

"As long as I can express myself in the best way possible and be the best version of myself, nothing will change," he said.

Yet there was a radically different tone this time as Howe declared he was "very happy" and dismissed speculation linking with him the Manchester United job.

Whereas there were previous tensions between Howe and former sporting director Paul Mitchell, the head coach has quickly struck up an understanding with successor Ross Wilson.

Howe has also developed a bond with David Hopkinson, the club's chief executive, who arrived earlier this season following a period of huge upheaval at boardroom level.

Former owners Amanda Staveley and Mehrdad Ghodoussi left the club in 2024, while Howe has worked with three sporting directors and two chief executives since taking charge.

But Howe has been a constant throughout - the fourth-longest serving manager in the Premier League - at a time when Manchester United and Chelsea have both made yet another change in the dugout.

"You have got to keep hitting your targets stage by stage," he added. "If you are able to and you're enjoying it and people want you to stay, you stay and enjoy what's to come."