Jamie Redknapp delivered a damning verdict on Newcastle United and claimed they were a team Manchester United should be routinely beating.
The Magpies lost 3-2 to Jose Mourinho’s side, despite taking a 2-0 lead in the game, and the Sky Sports pundit claimed a better team would have locked that victory down to stop their opponents mounting a comeback.
Redknapp, also when analysing the Magpies’ recent display, highlighted the fact they were struggling for goals and hadn’t tasted victory away from home since April.
“A better team than Newcastle would have locked down that victory,” wrote Redknapp for the Daily Mail.
“They are a side United should be beating routinely.
“They have not won all season, are without an away win since April and are struggling for goals.”
Redknapp also added when bringing up the fact that the Magpies started the game well, that he thought Rafa Benitez’s side were clearly lacking confidence due to their form.
“Now, even teams devoid of confidence like Newcastle rock up with no fear,” continued the Sky Sports pundit in his column.
OPINION
While most would back Man United to beat Newcastle United more often than not given their talented squad, to say Mourinho’s side should be doing it routinely is a pretty damning reflection on the Magpies. The word routinely implies that it should be done with ease and not much fuss, which shows how Redknapp currently rates Benitez’s side. It’ll be interesting to know how many Premier League teams Redknapp believes Man United should be routinely beating as it’s hard to imagine being a high number due to current weaknesses. While Man United have a talented squad, it’s hard to ignore that they are the strongest when it comes to their defensive options. So surely the Sky Sports pundit would back several teams outside of the top-six to cause Man United problems whether they were firing on all cylinders or not. The Magpies showed the attacking side of their game during the first-half at Old Trafford on Saturday and it’ll be interesting to see if their attacking play rears it head again after the international break.
