Eddie Howe can make Roy Keane regret his ‘cocky’ Newcastle United dig by beating Man United

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Newcastle United begin a run of three matches in six days when they face Manchester United at St James’ Park.

Eddie Howe has done brilliantly to get Newcastle United refocused on the Premier League campaign after lifting the Carabao Cup in March.

Back-to-back wins over Brentford and Leicester City have put Newcastle in a strong position to qualify for the Champions League, especially as there are now five Champions League qualification spots up for grabs.

Newcastle United beat Manchester United 2-0 in the reverse fixture in December and now the Magpies are looking to complete the double on Sunday afternoon.

Roy Keane’s ‘cocky’ Newcastle criticism could backfire

In the penultimate game of the 2023/24 campaign, Newcastle lost 3-2 to Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Newcastle were chasing European qualification and their defeat in Manchester dealt a blow to their chances.

After Kobbie Mainoo’s opener, Newcastle entered half-time one-goal down and Manchester United legend Roy Keane didn’t hold back with his assessment of the performance.

Keane slammed Newcastle as ‘cocky’, saying: “[They] almost got too cocky with themselves and think they’re a better team than what they are.

“We spoke about Newcastle doing well and their mentality but their record is poor here.

“So maybe they’re not as tough as they think…”

Newcastle United are leaving Man United behind

Newcastle have been on a constant upward trajectory since the takeover in 2021, and they are now breaching the established ‘Big Six’ in the Premier League.

While Tottenham and Manchester United are struggling, it is Newcastle who are taking advantage and making a statement at the top end of the table.

In the previous five matches against Manchester United, Newcastle have won four and the 3-2 defeat in May was one of just two losses against the Red Devils since the PIF takeover.

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Keane decided to question whether Newcastle are “tough” or “too cocky”, but frankly Howe has created a winning side who are one of the most humble in the Premier League.

On Sunday, Manchester United travel to St James’ Park as underdogs and that speaks volumes about where both clubs stand at the moment.