Two managers linked with the Celtic job are facing very different situations as Eddie Howe emerges as the favourite to take charge of Manchester United, while Kieran McKenna remains subject to a significant compensation agreement with Ipswich Town.

Both have been mentioned as potential successors to Martin O’Neill, although the Celtic manager remains under contract until the end of the season.

However, developments elsewhere could complicate matters if Celtic decide to pursue either candidate in the future.

United suffered a 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth on Sunday, leaving Carrick under increasing pressure after a disappointing start to the campaign.

The Guardian reports that United director of football Jason Wilcox favours Howe as a potential replacement and has made contact with the 48-year-old.

Journalist Alan Nixon has also reported on Patreon that Howe would be willing to take the position if offered it.

Howe has been out of management since leaving Newcastle in July, having previously guided the club into the Champions League and delivered the 2025 League Cup.

His name remains familiar to Celtic supporters following the club’s unsuccessful attempt to appoint him in 2021.

Howe held extensive discussions with Celtic before the proposed move collapsed, with arrangements surrounding his backroom staff understood to have been a significant factor.

The Hoops eventually appointed Ange Postecoglou.

Although Howe has subsequently been mentioned as a possible future Celtic manager, Manchester United’s reported interest presents another potential destination.

No appointment has been agreed, and Carrick remains in charge as United consider their next move.

Meanwhile, former Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna continues to be linked with Celtic, but a substantial financial obstacle remains.

Despite leaving Portman Road in June, McKenna is still covered by a compensation agreement reportedly worth £8million.

BBC Sport reported that the arrangement remains active until 1 July 2027, meaning a club appointing the Northern Irishman before that deadline could be required to pay Ipswich.

The fee could potentially be negotiated down as the expiry date approaches.

Former Manchester United chief scout Mick Brown has suggested Celtic would be reluctant to spend that amount on their next manager.

There has been no official indication from Celtic that the board would be prepared to meet the reported fee.

An £8million payment before accounting for wages and backroom staff would represent a considerable investment, particularly when the agreement is due to expire next summer.

McKenna’s availability does not guarantee that he would accept the Celtic job, either, with Crystal Palace also reportedly interested in the former Ipswich boss.

O’Neill signed a one-year contract with Celtic in June, with the club holding an option for a further season.

The 74-year-old remains focused on the current campaign, having guided Celtic to nine victories from their opening ten Premiership matches.

Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Hibernian kept the Hoops four points clear of Rangers ahead of Wednesday’s meeting with Dundee United.

While speculation continues about who might eventually succeed O’Neill, Celtic have not announced plans to replace him.

The reported Manchester United approach for Howe and McKenna’s compensation agreement nevertheless highlight the complications Celtic could face should either manager become a serious target.

In McKenna’s case, the timing could become particularly important, with his reported £8million compensation protection due to end shortly after O’Neill’s initial contract reaches its conclusion in summer 2027.