United can capitalise on Newcastle nightmare and complete stunning double deal
Manchester United have strengthened their chances of qualifying for the Champions League next season after this weekend’s results
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe watches on as his side loses to Sunderland(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
When Manchester United lost to Newcastle at the beginning of this month, it felt like an opportunity had been wasted. At half time, with the scores level and the Reds a man to the good, United needed to push on and beat Eddie Howe’s side.
Instead, they left St James’ Park empty handed and Michael Carrick was clearly furious. Gone were the handshakes and friendly chats with his players. Newcastle had won the battle that night but the Reds can still be the ones to win the war.
United started the weekend with a frustrating draw at Bournemouth. While picking up a point with 10 men is not to be sniffed at, the frustration came from referee Stuart Attwell and VAR Craig Pawson’s decisions. Still, as the matchweek continued, that point became more valuable.
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First, Liverpool lost at Brighton before Chelsea were humbled by Everton in the evening game. That left United with a six-point cushion to fifth place Liverpool and seven points to Chelsea as they battle for Champions League football next season. A top four finish will be the target for Carrick and his players but should they finish fifth, they should be in the Champions League if English clubs continue to succeed this season.
One team who are not so confident about their Champions League status next season are Newcastle. The Magpies’ 2-1 defeat to local rivals Sunderland has left them languishing in mid-table.
They may still be just seven points off Liverpool, but after a chastening week that saw them thrashed by Barcelona in the Champions League, there is little confidence Howe’s men will be able to bridge the gap to qualify for the Europa League, never mind European football’s top table.
And that is where United need to be taking advantage. The Reds have midfield as their priority in the upcoming summer transfer window.
With Casemiro leaving and Manuel Ugarte likely to follow him out, United would prefer to sign two central midfielders. Among the many names linked with the Reds are Newcastle duo Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
While Howe played down reports from Reuters that Guimaraes is in advanced discussions with United, the Brazil international could be considering his options this summer. As could Tonali who MEN Sport understands is admired by the Reds.
Guimaraes and Tonali have both spoken of their love for Newcastle previously but so did Alexander Isak. Howe will not be naive enough to think he won’t be burnt again.
Both midfielders will be desperate to play Champions League football next season and are more than good enough to be competing at that level. If Newcastle can’t offer them that, United likely will be able to.
There is plenty of uncertainty surrounding the midfield overhaul. Having to sign multiple players in the same area of the pitch risks disturbing the balance of the team.
Guimaraes and Tonali provide a safety net thanks to their existing partnership. They should be capable of taking that existing chemistry and replicating it at Old Trafford.
Of course, this depends on Newcastle allowing both their midfielders to leave and join a Premier League rival. But United are likely to hold all the cards in the negotiations.
Without Champions League football, Newcastle will struggle to hold out for big money and persuading the duo to stay after this season will also be difficult. United need to capitalise in the summer and continue to act like a bigger fish in a small pond.
Signing Guimaraes and Tonali would be a show of strength. It would also follow the example set last summer by Jason Wilcox.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were signed as ‘plug and play’ players. They had existing Premier League experience and United knew what they were getting.
The Newcastle duo offer the exact same for United’s midfield and if the Reds want to become a force in the Premier League again, this is how they must operate.
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