But they appear to have no clear plan for who will replace the Norwegian, with Michael Carrick taking temporary charge.
They will first look to make an interim appointment until the end of the season, before selecting their manager for the long-term in the summer.
That could though open them up to problems in the January transfer window, especially with players on the fringes of the squad.
Newcastle are set to be one of the clubs making big moves in the New Year, having recently been bought by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
That Saudi money means that the Magpies now have the richest owners in the Premier League, with a large warchest coming with it.
JUST IN: Newcastle transfer officials settle on ‘prime January target’
According to Caught Offside, Newcastle have ‘made contract’ around the possibility of signing the Dutchman for £25million.
While United would prefer to loan him out, the lack of a permanent manager to give Van de Beek a definitive answer on his future may convince the midfielder to agitate for an exit.
If Van de Beek does indeed attempt to leave, Newcastle will be there to take full advantage of his unhappiness.
They could exploit a similar situation with Jesse Lingard, with contract talks between the Englishman and United having collapsed.
Lingard has barely played for the Red Devils this season, despite a successful loan move to West Ham last term.
The Red Devils will need to sell him in January if they are to bring in any sort of fee for the 28-year-old.
With no permanent boss, it is unlikely United will be able to convince him to sign a new deal making a January sale a necessity.
Again, Newcastle could be on hand to take advantage of that situation and the chaos currently surrounding the Red Devils.
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