‘They expect to win league’ - Wayne Rooney embarrasses himself lazy Newcastle United trope
Wayne Rooney has reignited the belief that Newcastle United supporters are too demanding following the 1-1 draw with Barcelona.
Wayne Rooney believes Newcastle United supporters are demanding too much of Eddie Howe.
The Toon boss has come under fire from a section of Toon supporters this season. Previous campaigns under Howe have seen Newcastle secure Champions League football and, this time last year, win a first domestic trophy for 70 years.
However, the Magpies currently sit 12th in the Premier League. European qualification appears to be an uphill task as Newcastle struggle to cope with the added fixture demands - causing questions to be asked of the manager.
Others argue that losing Alexander Isak and the lack of a competent boardroom structure last summer hung Howe out to dry. The majority supporting the manager point towards these mitigating factors to insist that he deserves time to turn the tide.
Wayne Rooney’s lazy Newcastle United trope
When asked about the pressure Howe has faced this season, Manchester United legend Rooney regurgitated the lazy trope that Newcastle fans expect too much. He told The Overlap: “The problem with Newcastle is they (the fans) expect them to go and win the league.
“To be in the top three or four every season. They haven’t got the players to do that. They might get there in five or six years, but they’re not strong enough to be competing.”
Wayne Rooney on Newcastle United vs Barcelona
Rooney - who worked as a pundit on the game - also praised Newcastle for their performance against Barcelona. He added: “Newcastle were good, I thought they were really good. That’s twice I’ve watched Barcelona now this season. Chelsea away and at Newcastle.
“I just think the tempo and intensity of the Premier League is too much for them. But Newcastle were good. They’ll probably go through when they go back to Barcelona but I thought Newcastle were aggressive and didn’t give them time on the ball.
“Barcelona didn’t manage to dictate the game at all. Newcastle just missed that final bit in the final third. Joelinton, I think he’s brilliant. I love watching Joelinton. They haven’t been as good in the league but, to be fair to them, I thought they were good last night.”