Newcastle United have been handed an opportunity to weaken European rivals Manchester United, if the Magpies pip Erik ten Hag's side to Champions League football. As things stand, Eddie Howe's outfit are level on points with the Red Devils, who have been resurgent in recent weeks.
Man United have a game in hand on the Toon, which could see them move three points clear and leapfrog Newcastle into third place. Having missed out on Champions League football last season, there's a growing pressure for the Red Devils to get back into Europe's elite competition.
Nonetheless, Ten Hag will have limited funds to operate in January and with speculation rife regarding the future of the Glazers, it may not get any easier for the Dutch coach, even if the Glazers do sell the club. The Telegraph claims Man United will have to sell in order to invest into the squad, even after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo from the club's wage bill.
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Ten Hag is keen on signing a top striker, with Harry Kane, Benjamin Sesko and Victor Osimhen linked to Old Trafford, and adding another world class midfielder, like Frenkie de Jong or Jude Bellingham. If Newcastle do pip the Red Devils to a Champions League spot, it could have a knock on effect on their rival's spending power.
A second successive season outside the Champions League would see a 30 per cent cut – £22.5 million – in their £75million-a-year deal with kit supplier Adidas, although that would be spread over the remaining two years of the deal. The report also claims that any change in ownership would not give the Red Devils a boost in finances in the summer transfer market if they fail to qualify for the Champions League.
Like Newcastle, Ten Hag's side are still competing in the Carabao Cup, but the Red Devils are also still in the Europa League, which is likely to hand the Magpies a fitness boost - if they can keep key players fit. Tottenham Hotspur are the closest competitors to both Newcastle and Man United - Antonio Conte's side are two points adrift of both clubs, having played the same amount of games as the Toon.
Liverpool, in sixth, will be hoping for a stronger finish to the season and will also be stern competitors for the Champions League places.
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