‘I will love it if we beat them, love it.’
The infamous words of Kevin Keegan as his Newcastle United side battled with, and ultimately lost the Premier League title to, Manchester United in 1996. It was seen as the crowning Sir Alex Ferguson mind game success as the Reds overhauled a 12-point deficit to sweep past the Magpies and claim the championship.
Fast-forward 27 years and the two teams do battle again tonight at Old Trafford in the last 16 of the Carabao Cup. And while it’s difficult to see Eddie Howe or Erik ten Hag reaching Keegan-level emotions in any post-match interviews, there is no love lost between the two sides.
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Ten Hag has spoken of how Newcastle ‘try and annoy you’ and ‘delay the game’ while Howe referenced it in his team talk ahead of his side’s win over the Reds in April.
“We respect Manchester United but when the game kicks off, we’re determined to try and win,” was all Howe offered on the Reds ahead of tonight, even if he does feel Ten Hag and some sections of the media have painted an unfair picture of Newcastle’s tactics.
So while it might not be the fireworks of the mid-90s, this game will mean a great deal to both managers come kick off on Wednesday night. Indeed, for Ten Hag it is crucial. United’s lacklustre campaign could use the shot in the arm of a cup victory over a top-end Premier League club.
And while for years United were the envy of most clubs in the country, now the Reds may well look at Newcastle and seek a bit of what they have. On the pitch, they are playing an attack-minded style of play which has them as the Premier League’s leading scorers. They are a cohesive unit with a clear style of play, a defined strongest XI and a team united for the badge and the fanbase.
United are almost the polar opposite. Ten Hag has chopped and changed his side to try and find a winning formula while the identity of his team this season is a mystery. The players look short on confidence and inspiration and the fans have been left wondering what’s gone wrong after an encouraging if not flawless first campaign under the Dutchman.
Whereas those heading to St James Park do so with a spring in their step, any fans arriving at Old Trafford are often travelling in trepidation at what might be served up. The two teams are heading in opposite directions just now. Newcastle, since their October 2021 takeover by Saudi Arabia’s PIF, have improved considerably on the pitch while having stability off it. United, almost a year since the Glazers were ‘commencing a process to explore strategic alternatives’ remain stuck firmly in takeover turmoil.
The prospect of Sheikh Jassim completing a deal for the club is now over and while Sir Jim Ratcliffe is set to buy a 25 per cent stake and become responsible for football matters, there is no timeline of completion. For all the moral questions rightly asked about Newcastle’s investment, there can be no doubt the lift it has provided the football club and the wave of optimism Howe and Co are still surfing two years on.
United have been making waves for all the wrong reasons recently and would welcome a win over the Magpies to calm the choppy waters. Should it arrive on Wednesday night, Ten Hag would most certainly love it.
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