Eddie Howe has warned Newcastle want to be as big as Manchester United on and off the pitch.
And the Geordie chief has responded to Man United boss Erik Ten Hag branding Newcastle ’s style as “annoying” before the Carabao Cup final. The two United’s go head to head in the battle for a top four Champions League berth on Sunday, with Newcastle bucking all the trend that the biggest money talks.
This season has reignited the rivalry between the two Northern powerhouses, for the first time since they tussled for the title in the 1990s. In the coming days the Geordies will report a turnover of around £180m, up from £142.9m, compared to £583m at Old Trafford. Their annual wage bill is around £120m compared to Ten Hag’s £380m. But Howe says tactics, team spirit and improving players is the key to the Tyneside club’s rebirth this season.
