Roy Keane predicts how Manchester United will cope with Newcastle threat next season

Roy Keane has rubbished the idea that Newcastle could finish above Manchester United and break into the top six.

The Magpies enjoyed a remarkable turnaround following their big-money takeover last season. They were bottom of the table after 14 games having failed to win a single match, but Eddie Howe’s arrival under the new ownership transformed fortunes.

Newcastle ultimately finished 11th after splurging more than £90m in January, bringing in the likes of Kieran Trippier, Bruno Guimaraes and Chris Wood. Meanwhile, United’s struggles saw them finish sixth and a long way off their top four goal.

READ MORE:Roy Keane makes United top four prediction in Arsenal dig

Newcastle are expected to push for at least a top half finish this time around, but Keane says any talk of a top six breakthrough is too premature, dismissing the idea that they could finish above United.

Speaking to Sky Bet, he said: “I don’t see it, as poor as United have been and the big improvement with Newcastle during the second half of the season, I think it certainly helped they spent in January - maybe £85m, £90m.

“That’s a few bob and the recruitment was a big help to them, they struggled during the first half of the season but I don’t see Newcastle top six.

"It’ll be a big improvement, obviously recruitment, how much money he gets to spend. I’d agree with Micah (Richards), top 10, but I can’t see top six.”

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