Erik ten Hag’s remit was clear when he was appointed as Manchester United manager over the summer. The Dutchman has been charged with closing the gap on Manchester City and Liverpool, whose runaway dominance has defined the Premier League over the last few seasons. The team that used to look down upon their domestic rivals has now been charged with chasing those above them. But this is not the full extent of the challenge facing Ten Hag. It is also the manager’s responsibility to look over his shoulder. With teams like Newcastle United, who visit Old Trafford on Sunday, this is getting more challenging.
The story of the Magpies and their injection of Saudi Arabian wealth has been well-told on these pages. The short version is that the new owners are going about things the right way, at least in a footballing sense, and it’s paying off on the pitch. Newcastle are currently sixth in the table and their last two games were a real show of strength. Fulham were swept aside 4-1 at Craven Cottage while Brentford were taken apart 5-1 back at St James’ Park. Newcastle are clicking and the rest of the league should be worried.
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It’s a fact Magpies manager Eddie Howe has acknowledged. During his press conference ahead of Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford, Howe said, "The aims of this club, the ambitions behind the scenes are huge. I've always said we have to try and deliver those huge ambitions and it will take time, but there is no ceiling here.” This clear statement of intent from a club with infinite resources could be a harbinger of doom for other teams. Manchester United are arguably one of those most at-risk.
A second placed finish in the 2020/21 season under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer already feels like a long time ago. The fetid end of the Norwegian’s run followed by the risible tenure of Ralf Rangnick have taken the club backwards. Ten Hag is arresting the slide slowly, but his rivals are moving at pace. Regard Arsenal, for example. Mikel Arteta’s Gunners sit atop the Premier League having finished just one place above United last season. That was the first time Arsenal had finished above United since 2018/19.
But while United look to make marginal gains, Arsenal have raced ahead of them. It is the story of United’s near-decade “transitional period” since Sir Alex Ferguson retired. Liverpool have completed an entire cycle in that time, going from making up the numbers to Premier League and Champions League winners. Leicester City have been promoted from the Championship and won the Premier League and FA Cup. Manchester City have gone from one-time Premier League champions to six-time winners. While the teams around them have moved forward, United have stood still.
Now Newcastle are at the front of the queue of teams looking to go past the 20-time English league champions. Unlike Leicester, they are bolstered by a bottomless pit of cash. Unlike City, they have a huge supporter base. This is a different breed of challenger, a historic sleeping giant just waiting to be awoken by the smell of money and success. Newcastle are in form, improving week-on-week and they even have their own talismanic Bruno in midfield. Be afraid Erik, be very afraid.
What United do have going in their favour is a stronger man-for-man squad. While some die-hard Magpies might disagree, it is hard to argue Antony, Marcus Rashford, Lisandro Martinez, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro would not warrant a slot in their starting eleven. Even the faded powers of Cristiano Ronaldo would likely warrant inclusion. The Red Devils are a stronger team at present, but it is crucial they stamp their authority on their position. The battle for top four was already set to go to the wire this season, with multiple teams having strong claims. It might be too early to include Newcastle in that reckoning yet, but they seem likely to play a part if their form continues.
United are not the dominant side they once were but they are still seen as a mile-marker for ambitious sides. Newcastle are the latest to try and knock them off their perch once and for all. While they won’t do that conclusively even if they do win at Old Trafford, it will be first blood in what could become an increasingly important rivalry in the Premier League. United still have City and Arsenal in their crosshairs, but Newcastle could be their biggest threat of all.
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