High Press Episode 8:
Episode 8 of the High Press Podcast focuses on the return of Newcastle and Manchester United’s rivalry, from the start of the feud through to ambitions for both teams in the 2020s.
Host Alison Bender is joined by Matt Barlow, Alyson Rudd and Nizaar Kinsella to debate how the clubs are run, and what to expect at both St James’ Park and Old Trafford in the coming years.
Kevin Keegan started the feud
Starting off with a look at the origins of the rivalry, Barlow said, “It’s stirring, it’s stirring again. Yeah, it’s been dormant, with Newcastle going through difficult times, but I remember well the mid-nineties and the rivalry established around Kevin Keegan’s team and Sir Alex Ferguson’s team.” Rudd claimed that Keegan is fully responsible ‘if there is a rivalry’.
Kinsella responded by talking up the famous Geordie atmosphere. “The atmosphere there is just sensational, isn’t it? When they’re on side, they’re really on side, and it can help generate wins and performances. It’s good to tap into it. Maybe reigniting this rivalry is a good thing to do.”
Newcastle new model
Bender then directed the conversation towards Newcastle’s model, and reserved special praise for Dan Ashworth.
Rudd was cautious about how much impact the part-sale of Manchester United will have on the pitch, noting that the fans’ frustration with the Glazers must make it harder for the coaching staff and players.
“It’ll probably have an initial boost, we might see results improve, but going forward over the months and years to come, it seems a slightly peculiar way to run a football club,” said Rudd.
Barlow followed up, “The teams that are successful are all joined-up and seem to know what they’re doing. And Newcastle look like they’ve got a plan… Manchester United look the opposite.” Kinsella compared the Glazers increasing Manchester United’s value with how Newcastle’s owners are just keen to grow the club ‘as quickly as possible’.
Man Utd’s potential new model
The panel then looked towards recruitment and coaching, with Bender pointing out the improvement of players under Eddie Howe compared with Manchester United’s players under Erik ten Hag. Barlow mentioned the money Manchester United have spent for players they have ‘got no great return from’.
Kinsella was scathing about Manchester United’s transfer policy, mentioning just two recent examples.
“Do Newcastle get Reguilon in on loan to fix problems? Weghorst last season, it’s crazy!”
Other Manchester United signings are criticised by the panel, including Antony, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku. Kinsella suggested they need to have an ‘expectation shift’, and stop trying to catch Manchester City.
Newcastle’s Financial Fair Play Responsibility
Looking at Newcastle, Rudd believes that Financial Fair Play could help long-term, as it ‘forces them to be sensible’. Kinsella spoke about the Magpies’ ambition to follow Manchester City’s multi-club model.
Previewing this weekend’s fixture, Rudd was critical of Manchester United’s approach
“They don’t go into a game with that intensity and passion, just comparing them to Newcastle.”
Who will win the Premier League first?
The discussion is wrapped up by asking whether Newcastle or Manchester United will win the Premier League first – who would be your pick?
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