Erik ten Hag is under pressure as Manchester United manager, but the same cannot be said about Eddie Howe at Newcastle United.
That is despite the fact that Newcastle United have spent most of the season behind the Red Devils, who are currently sixth in the Premier League.
The Magpies have beaten them twice, including a remarkable display in the Carabao Cup where Eddie Howe rotated his side and still won 3-0 at Old Trafford.
But Newcastle are not doing as well as they were last season, leading to some pundits questioning his future. The main culprit is Richard Keys, who is desperate for Jose Mourinho to take over at St James’ Park.
However, the owners have faith in Howe. They are going to stick with the former Bournemouth man, despite results being nowhere near as good as they were last year.
As for Ten Hag, there is speculation that Gareth Southgate could replace him next season. The Dutchman continues to feel the pressure, and performances have rarely indicated that he is the man to bring glory back to Manchester United.
Why Eddie Howe is not under pressure like Erik ten Hag
And that is why pundit Craig Burley believes that Ten Hag is under pressure and Howe is not, despite Man United having four more points than Newcastle so far this season.
He spoke about Howe’s future on ESPN UK’s YouTube channel, and compared the Magpies’ situation to what is going on at Old Trafford.
“There’s an argument to say that he’s [Howe] had a worse season than Ten Hag,” the presenter said.
“I’ll tell you what the difference is,” Burley replied.
“A lot of the Newcastle performances – they’ve passed the eye test. We can put all the stats away. If you’re a stats nerd and that’s all you go on – sod off.
“There’s an eye test. When I’m watching Man United, and they’ve spent a lot more than Newcastle… When I look at Man United against teams, you’re watching the game and you go ‘wow, how are they not competing, how are they giving up so many chances, how are they picking these points up playing like that’.
“Newcastle have had some moments like that, but generally their football has been better.”
Burley added: “Eddie Howe, I think personally, is a better manager in England than Ten Hag.”
Howe can take Newcastle further than Ten Hag can with Man United
As Burley says, it is difficult to understand how Man United have so many points when you closely watch their performances. They are a really easy team to play against, yet somehow they have an outside chance of qualifying for the Champions League.
But the issues at Old Trafford appear to be cultural. The mood around the club is dour, and Ten Hag has not been able to change that.
In contrast, Howe has done exactly that at St James’ Park. He has united a club that was on its knees and given it an identity. Sure, this season has not been perfect, but there are plenty of caveats to explain why.
When both teams are at full strength, Newcastle are the better team right now. Howe has coached his players in a way that they are superior to the Red Devils, who constantly look on the brink of another crisis.
This season’s stats do not look good for Howe, but they do not tell the full story according to Burley. He trusts the eye test, and can see exactly why the Newcastle United boss is not experiencing the same level of pressure as Erik ten Hag.
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