BBC Pundit Danny Murphy believes 'it's too early' for Newcastle United to mount a Champions League challenge despite their good start to the campaign. Murphy told Fair Betting Sites although it may be a dream for black and white supporters to return battle with the European elite, it won't be happening this season.
"I think they’ve done tremendously well," Murphy said. "I think Eddie Howe’s done a brilliant job. He’s moved them forward more quickly than I thought he would. Made some really clever signings. They’ve got a great future ahead of them with the funds they’ve got behind them. They’re not rushing in and doing it stupidly.
"Realistically as a Newcastle fan, it’s nice to dream, but they’ll get there. But it’s not going to be this season. This is a good challenge for them. I mean, what’s really impressive about Newcastle is that they’ve got the joint best defensive record in the league. And for a long time, obviously that wasn’t the case.
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"Newcastle were conceding a lot of goals. So, Howe’s addressed that, which has given them a really good platform to go and cause teams problems. And arguably some of the draws they’ve had, they should have won. I have nothing but admiration for the job Eddie Howe has done.
"I think this is a huge test this weekend against Manchester United. United bouncing back after the City defeat with a win at Everton. If Newcastle were to come through this and get a result at Old Trafford that would really give them a boost and that would give them belief that they could maybe finish in a top eight or top seven position by going to United and winning it. I’m fascinated by that game.
"I think it’s two teams who are evolving and two managers who are in the infancy of their jobs, trying to stamp their authority on the teams. I actually fancy United, only because they’ve got that crowd right behind them again now and there’s real hope there again. But I don’t think it’ll be easy game. I think it’ll be tight."
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