Armed with a reassuring Saudi-backed confidence, Newcastle have been consistently springing surprises in the Premier League so far this season as they scale the league ladder.
It hence stands to reason that Manchester United should be justifiably “worried” about Newcastle and their assault on the top-four this season, which is the verdict from Liverpool legend, Jamie Carragher, who reckons the Saudi-backed side have every chance at upsetting the usual pecking order this campaign.
Having lost only once in the Premier League, the Magpies have been on a consecutive six-game blitz dating back to their 0-0 draw with United in October. As things stand, the Magpies are sitting in third place with 33 points from 16 matches, which are four more than United although the Red Devils have a game in hand – and eight more than Liverpool who have also played a game less.
Carragher addressed the top-four race in his latest column for The Telegraph in which he wrote: “Howe has started like a coach in it for the long haul, determined to be the one to deliver success rather than laying those foundations for a successor. He’s so far ahead of schedule that the traditional ‘big-six’ are worried.
“At the start of each season, two clubs out of Liverpool, Manchester United, Chelsea, Tottenham and Arsenal know they will miss out on the Champions League. It will soon turn to three because of Newcastle.”
Carragher added: “Talk of Newcastle winning the league this year is premature. They’re not ready for that yet.
“But impressive victories such as against Leicester City on Boxing Day show they have the momentum to challenge for the top-four. Given their resources, Newcastle are primed to get to the next level.
“What was less clear was how soon. It’s the quality of their coach, not the size of the bank balance, which is leading them there quicker than expected.”