Newcastle United ‘in trouble’ after ‘shocking’ development that may end top four hopes – pundit
Newcastle United may miss out on the top four this season due to a “shocking lack of depth” in their squad.
That’s according to former Hibernian striker Tam McManus, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the Magpies’ recent embarrassing defeat.
Newcastle crashed out of the FA Cup against League One side Sheffield Wednesday last weekend (7 January).
Fringe players such as Jamal Lewis, Javier Manquillo, Matt Ritchie and Elliot Anderson were all given rare minutes but failed to impress.
McManus claims the performance of Newcastle’s backup players is extremely concerning for the club’s hopes of finishing in the top four this season.
“I mean it wasn’t a bad team was it, really?” McManus told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild.
“Botman was in there, Dubravka, Isak, Joelinton. They are all first-team players. It’s the guys who came in who worry me.
“It showed a shocking lack of depth in that Newcastle squad. If that is who they are relying on if one of their key players gets injured then I’m sorry, it’s not good enough, they are in trouble.
“Those guys are not Premier League quality, not by a long way. They were well beaten by a side who play two tiers below them.
“Newcastle just aren’t there yet in terms of depth. You look at Man City, their second team would beat most Premier League teams.
“Newcastle have a lot of players who aren’t at the required standard and that was clear to see last weekend.”
Newcastle bounced back from their FA Cup exit to progress to the League Cup semi-finals by beating Leicester on Tuesday (10 January).
The Mags are next in action against Fulham on Sunday (15 January).
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