I'm 100% here working as hard as I can, says Newcastle boss

NEWCASTLE

- By LEE RYDER Chief Newcastle writer

United boss Eddie Howe has nailed his colours firmly to the mast at St James’ Park in light of fresh links with Manchester United.Howe was on a list of possible candidates after the sacking of Ruben Amorim and also won approval from Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt who said they'd give the Newcastle boss the thumbs up if he replaced the ex-Sporting Lisbon man.

Man United would be hit with an eight-figure compensation hurdle to lure him away from his current role.

But Howe has made it clear he will not walk away from Newcastle despite any suggestions he is on the Old Trafford shortlist.

When asked about Man United, Howe, speaking at his press conference, said: “Yes, absolutely. Nothing has changed from my perspective. I'm 100 per cent here, working as hard as I can, head down, ignoring all the stuff that you guys write, good or bad, because it’s irrelevant.

“It’s about today’s work and trying to prepare the team as well as we can for Leeds, so that will never change from my perspective, my commitment to my work and my job.

“As long as I’m happy and able to express myself in the best way that I can to help the team, nothing will change.”