Dan Burn was left dumbfounded by the way Newcastle United qualified for the Champions League, and it’s all thanks to Manchester United.
Newcastle United’s sensational season threatened to end in disaster on the final day as they lost 1-0 to Everton in their crucial match to guarantee a Champions League place.
Eddie Howe’s side were terrible, with Carlos Alcaraz’s second-half header separating the two teams, but the Magpies were rescued by an unlikely source.
Manchester United controversially defeated Aston Villa 2-0 to hand Newcastle fifth place, with former Sunderland loanee Amad Diallo even scoring the first goal.
Morgan Rodgers saw a goal incorrectly disallowed at 0-0 as the referee blew his whistle too early, sparking an official complaint from Aston Villa, and Newcastle were the lucky beneficiaries.
Harvey Barnes had to tell his teammates the good news at full-time, with many players a picture of devastation at the final whistle, as they thought they’d blown it.
Yet, Newcastle will play in the Champions League next season and Dan Burn couldn’t believe it was Man United who did them the favour.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Dan Burn reacts as Newcastle qualify for the Champions League
Speaking to Newcastle’s club media on the St. James’ Park pitch after the match, Burn shared his reaction to Champions League qualification.
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He said: “Obviously disappointing today but I think just to get Champions League, it didn’t really matter.
“Amazing season. I think that’s topped it off.
“I can’t believe we needed Man U to do us a favour after all that. But, listen, amazing season. What a great bunch of lads, we deserve it.
“Crazy, can’t get my head round it. What a strange way to get in the Champions League, by the way. Sitting on the pitch, waiting for it to happen.
“But amazing. Yeah, I’ll struggle to top this [season], I think. As I said, I still feel like I’m improving, I’m getting better. I wasn’t great today, really, but I’m just happy.”
What Dan Burn has said about Manchester United in the past
Burn had to thank Man Utd through gritted teeth as the big centre-back has admitted before he isn’t particularly fond of the Red Devils.
Newcastle smashed Ruben Amorim’s side 4-1 when they met in April and Burn delighted in the victory.
He told the Premier League: “It felt good, I can’t say I’m the biggest fan of Man United.
“I wasn’t born the last time we did the double over them (1930/31)! Top performance, we set out what we wanted to do from the start, and I’m sure the gaffer will be really happy with it.
“We’ve had some slow starts to second halves this season, but here we wanted to punish them and suck the energy out of the game.”
Burn’s stance might have softened a touch now, though.