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‘This club’s goals are HUGE’: Eddie Howe claims Saudi-backed Newcastle will one day be as big as Man United… as the boss insists there is ‘no ceiling’ to the club’s global potential ahead of Sunday’s trip to Old Trafford
- Eddie Howe believes Newcastle will eventually grow to be as big as Manchester United
- The manager is preparing his side for their trip to Old Trafford on Sunday
- He insisted: ‘The goals of this club, with the ambition behind the scenes, are enormous’
- The Magpies are eager not to sell star midfielder Bruno Guimaraes in January
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Eddie Howe believes Newcastle United will one day become as big as Manchester United.
The two meet on Sunday at Old Trafford with Howe’s team currently sixth in the Premier League, just one place and one point behind their hosts.
Manchester United is still widely regarded as the world’s largest club in terms of global reach.
Eddie Howe says Newcastle’s ambition could one day make them as great as Manchester United
But Howe says Newcastle, under Saudi-backed ownership, has ambitions to match that next.
“I don’t like putting ceilings on clubs,” he said. “When I look at my own history, Bournemouth was associated as a League One, League Two team.
“We have seen them grow into a Premier League club. So why not (Newcastle as big as Man United)?
“The goals of this club, with the ambition behind the scenes, are enormous. We must now try to realize those enormous ambitions. But there is no ceiling here.
The Red Devils receive Newcastle on Sunday after their 1-0 victory over Omonia in midweek
“When you see the passion around the city, the thing that always amazes me is the young people here – the 12, 13, 14 year olds, their passion for Newcastle. It runs through generations and it doesn’t stop there.
What will hopefully happen is the global brand and global enthusiasm for Newcastle will grow, if the club can be successful. I put more pressure on myself here, but that’s the challenge and that’s where the club wants to be.’
Newcastle sporting director Dan Ashworth said this week the club “definitely does not want to sell Bruno Guimaraes”, while also admitting that players need to trade to push the boundaries of financially fair play.
Magpies sports director Dan Ashworth is eager not to let go of Bruno Guimaraes in January
Bruno, outstanding since his £36million arrival from Lyon in January, has been linked with Real Madrid in recent weeks. However, Howe sees him as key to the club’s journey to capture Manchester United.
“We really want Bruno to be happy here, enjoy his football and see a long-term vision,” the head coach said.
‘We want to build a team. We’re still in the early stages of that, so we don’t want to disrupt the group we have, we want to add quality – that’s the goal.
“But Bruno has done an incredible job. He fitted in so well and embodied the team spirit and drive we need to be successful.
The Brazilian midfielder, 24, has impressed at St James’ Park since his £36m move from Lyon
“The fans saw that and grabbed him from day one. Off the field he was brilliant. He speaks for himself on the field.’
Howe has also addressed the issue of the expansion of St James’ Park, insisting that he would rather do so than have other sites explored.
When asked if he wanted the club to stay at St James’, he said: ‘Without a doubt, without a doubt. When I look around the city, you see the football stadium at every turn, that’s such a powerful thing. I wouldn’t want to change that. That’s our house.’