This archive report was first published on 5 November 2021.
Manchester United's fierce rivalry with Liverpool is well-known, but Newcastle United's struggles in the Premier League have left fans wondering if the club's new owners are living up to their promises.
It's been a month since the Saudi sovereign wealth fund took over the club, sparking wild celebrations at St. James' Park. However, the team's poor performance has left fans feeling disappointed and concerned.
Former Arsenal manager Unai Emery was reportedly offered the job as Newcastle's new manager, but he rejected the offer, citing concerns about the club's lack of a clear plan.
Emery's decision has left the club searching for a new manager, with former Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe emerging as the new frontrunner.
However, the vast difference in playing style and experience between Howe and Emery has raised questions about the club's ability to attract top talent.
Despite the club's ambitious plans, including a goal to become English champions in the next decade, the current squad is clearly not good enough to match the club's new ambitions.
The January transfer window is just around the corner, but an overhaul of the squad also comes with risks, including panic buying at inflated prices.
Chelsea, Manchester City, and Paris Saint-Germain are often touted as templates for Newcastle to follow, but they did not have to fend off the fear of relegation in the early days of their surge towards the elite of European football.
At the moment, Newcastle appears to be lacking a clear plan that can firefight in the short-term and lay the foundations for long-term success.
