It has not been a good week for Manchester United, and it just got a lot worse after a second rejection from a member of staff at Newcastle United in the past few days.
In the wake of United’s draw with Leeds over the weekend, Ruben Amorim’s outspoken views and abrasive press conference cost him his job at Old Trafford.
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He would be crazy to go there!
That instability could well hand Newcastle an advantage in the race for Champions League football later this season. But, it also brought some level of risk for the Magpies as Eddie Howe’s name began being linked with the Red Devils.
Thankfully, the Newcastle boss quickly quashed those rumours, insisting he is more than happy on Tyneside and has no intention of leaving. And he’s not the only one.
- READ MORE: Eddie Howe reveals thought process on two Newcastle United selection dilemmas ahead of Leeds clash
Paul Midgley turns down Man United
According to a report from the Daily Mail, Man United have been knocked back by Newcastle’s head of youth recruitment, Paul Midgley.
Talks were held between United and Midgley last month, and given he had worked with Jason Wilcox before during their time at Man City, it was widely expected the Newcastle man would make the move and become Man United’s new head of academy recruitment.
However, Midgley has told Newcastle United staff that he is staying put. The 38-year-old was one of ten candidates earmarked for the role and was considered the frontrunner after an impressive interview.
It is said Midgley made his decision after speaking with sporting director Ross Wilson, academy director Steve Harper and head of recruitment Steve Nickson. Apparently, Midgley does not see this as the right time to leave the Newcastle project, with the owners set to invest heavily in the academy this year.
- READ MORE:
Which Newcastle United academy player are you most excited about?
What’s next for the Newcastle academy?
The news that Midgley is staying at Newcastle is huge for the club. It not only gives the Magpies a sense of stability below senior level but it’s also a big message to the established Big Six that Newcastle are very much ready to crash the party.
Working on the academy is a key part of that mission to join the Big Six, too. It’s said PIF are eager to turn the academy into a profit centre, which is a bittersweet sentiment for fans.
On the one hand, it means the club will be developing top, top talent and young players who can make a real difference in the team. It also means that some of the players Midgley and co. bring through will be sold on in the future.
Still, with the likes of Lewis Miley shining in the first-team this season, and players like Sean Neave, Sam Alabi, and Leo Shahar knocking on the door, it’s an exciting time for Newcastle youth right now.
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