Manchester United owner Jim Ratcliffe’s laughable claim as Newcastle United ‘upset people
The Premier League is experiencing a shift in power, as traditional hierarchies face new challengers. Nottingham Forest sits in second place, Newcastle United holds fifth, Spurs find themselves in 11th, and Manchester United languishes in 14th.
While only halfway through the season, it’s clear the landscape of English football is evolving, with signs of this transformation evident long before now. Between 2006 and 2022, Leicester City stood as the sole disruptor of the so-called big six.
But the recent rise of Newcastle and Aston Villa, both qualifying for the Champions League, signals a broader reshuffling. This disruption has not gone unnoticed, with Newcastle manager Eddie Howe openly acknowledging resistance to such changes.
He emphasized the importance of challenging established powers, even when faced with opposition from those seeking to protect their dominance.
Despite such resistance, breaking into the top echelon of clubs remains an uphill battle. Last summer, Manchester United co-owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe expressed concern during Premier League meetings about the potential disadvantages faced by top-six clubs.
This ironic complaint comes from a club that enjoys enormous financial advantages over emerging competitors. Manchester United’s influence is evident in their advocacy for changes to Advanced Payment Threshold (APT) rules shortly after Newcastle’s high-profile takeover.
Their ability to spend £364.7 million on wages last season—nearly double Newcastle’s wage bill during their Champions League qualification campaign—further highlights this disparity.
Even with these advantages, Manchester United has struggled to maintain their dominance. Their efforts to poach Newcastle’s sporting director, Dan Ashworth, and their significant financial resources underscore their efforts to remain competitive.
Yet, Newcastle has shown resilience, achieving success with far fewer resources. The Magpies even turned a profit during the summer transfer window while Manchester United committed over £205 million to new signings.
Despite their lower commercial revenues, Newcastle has demonstrated their ability to punch above their weight, earning respect from rivals like Manchester United’s manager Ruben Amorim, who admitted that Newcastle was the superior side after a 2-0 defeat at Old Trafford.
Newcastle’s triumph marked only their second league win at Old Trafford in over 50 years, but their current trajectory suggests such victories may become more frequent. The league table reflects the contrasting fortunes of the two clubs.
Newcastle began the year just three points behind Chelsea, a team previously touted as title contenders. Meanwhile, Manchester United sits precariously seven points above the relegation zone. Amorim’s post-match comments underscored the embarrassment of their situation, highlighting the stark differences between the two clubs’ directions.
The challenges faced by Manchester United serve as a reminder that takeovers, whether majority or minority, do not guarantee immediate success. Newcastle’s transformation since their buyout is a testament to careful planning and prudent investment.
While the club has spent over £450 million since the takeover, these funds have been used strategically to build a competitive team, a far cry from their relegation battle just three seasons ago. Comparatively, Newcastle’s spending pales in comparison to many of their rivals, demonstrating the efficiency of their approach.
For instance, Manchester United’s acquisition of Rasmus Højlund cost more than Newcastle’s signing of Alexander Isak, a striker who has already proven to be a game-changer for the Magpies. Similarly, the £80 million spent on Harry Maguire dwarfs the combined transfer fees of Newcastle’s backline and goalkeeper, many of whom were already at the club when Howe took over.
Howe’s impact on Newcastle cannot be overstated. His ability to elevate inherited players like Joelinton, Fabian Schär, and Jacob Murphy, alongside newer signings, showcases his innovative coaching methods.
Training sessions are dynamic, team-building exercises foster camaraderie, and players continually develop under his guidance. Howe’s focus on improving individual players, such as Alexander Isak, has yielded remarkable results. Isak’s contribution of eight goals and two assists in a single month exemplifies the progress Newcastle has made under Howe’s stewardship.
The team’s evolution under Howe has prevented stagnation and positioned them as legitimate contenders to disrupt the established order once again. Howe’s assertion that the squad possesses the talent to surpass their fourth-place finish in 2023 reflects the ambition driving Newcastle forward. Whether this potential materializes remains to be seen, but their determination to upset expectations remains clear.
Newcastle’s rise signifies a new chapter in Premier League history, where resourceful planning and innovative coaching challenge traditional power structures.
As they continue to defy expectations, the Magpies exemplify how clubs outside the traditional elite can forge their path to success. The resistance from established clubs only underscores the magnitude of this achievement, as Newcastle cements its place as a formidable force in English football.