Gary Neville believes Manchester United could have an ‘unwanted bonus’ over clubs like Newcastle United next season.
The Red Devils’ disastrous season is ending on an even unhappier note, with Tottenham Hotspur winning the Europa League final.
That final was meant to be Manchester United’s route back into Europe, but they fell short in Bilbao.
The last time Man United did not compete in Europe was the 2015/16 season. 10 years later and history has repeated itself, with Ruben Amorim’s side at an even lower ebb.
In contrast, Newcastle United are going to be back in Europe. With Newcastle winning the Carabao Cup, they are guaranteed a place in the UEFA Conference League. However, they could still qualify for the Champions League or Europa League depending on what happens on the final day of the Premier League season.
Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images
Photo by Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
Gary Neville namedrops Newcastle during Manchester United prediction
The Magpies are streets ahead of Manchester United now, and Gary Neville has admitted that Eddie Howe’s side are one of multiple teams that he cannot see the Red Devils overtaking next year.
However, speaking on the latest episode of the It’s Called Soccer podcast on the Overlap US YouTube channel, Neville has suggested that not being in Europe could help his former team.
“Maybe this is what the club needed, maybe this was the low point, the absolute low,” he said.
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“Maybe it just needs an absolute overhaul in respect of what’s going to happen. Maybe it is a mid-table position next season that is realistic, between eighth and 10th.
“Are we going to better next season than Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, Villa, Newcastle, Brighton? Are we going to be better than those teams? I’m not sure.
“Not being in Europe will mean we can focus on the league and have better preparation for league matches. That’s a positive. That can sometimes give you a little bit of an unwanted bonus.
“Next season, if they get anywhere near the top six I would say it would be an absolutely great performance.”
Newcastle United must learn to deal with playing in Europe
Neville does make a good point about Manchester United. Not being in Europe will help them domestically.
In contrast, Newcastle United will need to juggle their domestic and European responsibilities.
That is something they struggled with during the 2023/24 campaign, as they returned to the Champions League. Howe’s side could not handle the volume of high pressure games they were exposed to, as injuries mounted up.
That is why Newcastle United need a deeper squad. It is vital that reinforcements arrive this summer, with Howe wanting at least three signings.
With European football returning to St James’ Park, Newcastle need greater strength in depth if they are going to cope better than they did last time.