Jordan declared in the aftermath of Manchester United’s 4-1 triumph over PSG that the Newcastle boss will never win a major prize. It’s time for a deep breath and a much-needed respite for the fatigued but unbeaten warriors. Newcastle United enters the international break with five wins and two draws in their past seven games. There were 18 goals scored and only three goals allowed. A magnificent, fantastic effort.
Let us recall what has happened in a flurry of fixtures: United defeated PSG 4-1 in the Champions League after drawing 0-0 with seven-time European Cup champions AC Milan at the San Siro. They knocked off European champions Manchester City in the Carabao Cup and scored an incredible eight goals away from home in the Premier League against
Sheffield United, and finally drew 2-2 away to Europa Conference League winners West Ham, with just a late equalizer preventing another victory.
United made their point in a Sabbath clash at the London Stadium despite without Sven Botman, Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, Joe Willock, and the suspended Anthony Gordon, with Callum Wilson only fit enough to make a five-minute return from injury.
Isn’t it quite impressive? Unless you happen to be radio’s rent-a-quote service. Simon Jordan, who disgracefully humiliated Eddie Howe after Newcastle’s spectacular Champions League triumph against PSG, declared that he will never win a big title.
For good measure, Jordan slammed United’s manager as “another Mark Hughes” who was fired by Manchester City immediately after their new Arab owners walked in.
Try saying that at any pub on Tyneside. On match day, try asking individuals eagerly waving Wor Flags. Attempt to inform folks who have recently traveled to Milan, Sheffield, and East London.
Jordan, on the other hand, speaks for effect rather than sound judgment. With his venomous attack, he appeared to astound co-host Jim White.
During his tenure at Manchester City, Hughes never presided over a nosebleed surge from relegation to the top four, a Wembley Cup final, and annihilation of the likes of PSG in less than a season.
While several others, from Graeme Souness to Harry Redknapp, have rightfully praised Howe, Jordan chose to be negative. Presumably because he feels United’s wealthy owners will want to show off a high-profile manager to complete the job. Perhaps in the mold of Jose Mourinho or Antonio Conte. There is now guaranteed success!
Perhaps Eddie prefers to avoid the trappings of notoriety and would rather sit in front of the TV with a cup of tea and watch a re-run of Newcastle’s last match.
But that is part of what makes him very successful rather than just super boring. Jordan believes that there is currently no top English manager. I strongly disagree. Howe is one of them. Despite having 72 percent possession, United were a goal behind when they entered Howe’s away dressing room against West Ham because they were horrifically sloppy at the back. The onrushing Nick Pope was rounded wide in the box after Jamaal Lascelles lost his man.
However, the same 11 were likely sent out and continued to rock the Hammers, who, far from blowing bubbles, suddenly saw their bubble break.
Alexander Isak scored twice, with Kieran Trippier assisting, to turn the game around. The goals were sandwiched between a spectacular Dan Burn header that forced a save from Alphonse Areola and Isak hitting the post when his hat-trick looked certain.
A last-minute equalizer by a substitute, Mohammed Kudus, was a difficult pill to swallow, but nothing can take away from what is going on on Tyneside.
If Simon Jordan wants to spend a long weekend up here when his old club Crystal Palace comes to town in a week, he may find himself in a minority of one!
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