Michael Owen reveals what nobody said about Newcastle United at the start of the Premier League season

Michael Owen has hailed Newcastle United’s return to the Champions League as a “monumental achievement”.

Newcastle have progressed rapidly on the pitch since the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, PCP Partners and RB Sports & Media appointed Eddie Howe as head coach - just over a month after the consortium purchased the club from Mike Ashley for £305million.

During that 18-month period, United have gone from staring down the barrel at Premier League relegation to sealing a return to Europe’s elite for the first time in 20 years, as well as reaching their first Wembley final since 1999.

Owen admits the Magpies threw people’s pre-season predictions out the window.

“Well, it’s been a rarity, hasn’t it? Success up in Newcastle in recent times has been quite rare, so this is a monumental achievement for this squad and club,” Owen said after a goalless draw to Leicester City guaranteed a Premier League top four finish.

“No one would have said Newcastle would qualify for the Champions League at the start of the season. Europe? Maybe - could they squeeze into 7th or 6th? That would have been a fantastic season.

“But how about that? Fourth in the league and they got to a cup final as well. It has been a brilliant season for Eddie Howe and his team. It can only leave Newcastle fans hoping, expecting and dreaming of something even bigger next season. What a fantastic season.”

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