Gary Lineker has claimed that Eddie Howe is "way ahead of the curve" despite Newcastle United's "investment" after their 2-0 win over Manchester United.
The Magpies turned on the style at St James' Park on Sunday afternoon. Joe Willock and Callum Wilson put Erik ten Hag's side to the sword in what a dominant display from Newcastle.
Howe's team registered 22 shots to Man United's six as the visitors created next to nothing over the 90 minutes. It was a comprehensive performance that looked worthy of Champions League football next season.
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And that is where Newcastle find themselves heading as they moved up to third in the table with 11 games left to play. Should they finish in the top four it would be the first time in 20 years that the Magpies would feature in Europe's premier competition.
And despite the financial capabilities that Newcastle find themselves with, Lineker believes that the work Howe has done over the past year has had more of an impact on the club's performances than any potential expenditure.
"Smashing victory for @NUFC," he wrote on social media. "Eddie Howe is doing a tremendous job. Yes, of course, they have investment now but he’s way ahead of the curve."
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