Newcastle United’s European ambitions ended with a 2-1 defeat against AC Milan in the Champions League last night.
The Magpies took an early lead through Joelinton but paid the price for missed chances and defensive slip-ups, with Milan capitalising to earn a spot in the Europa League.
The result further compounded Newcastle’s struggles as they have sustained three consecutive defeats in all competitions.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is in the firing line again, with pressure mounting over his position following a fluctuating campaign.
However, Howe is not alone and seems to be in the same boat as Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag, who has endured a turbulent season.
The Dutchman has also been a focal point of scrutiny following Man United’s elimination from the Champions League and their awful form in the Premier League.
With their jobs on the line, all eyes are on who will bite the dust first.
Ten Hag and Howe share a similar trajectory. Both were appointed during a time of crisis and exceeded expectations by leading their clubs to a top-four finish in the Premier League last season.
Man United and Newcastle are now languishing in sixth and seventh position respectively, while also falling short in their European ventures.
United were the biggest underperformers after finishing last in a group containing Bayern Munich, Copenhagen and Galatasaray.
Newcastle had things tougher after being drawn alongside Paris Saint-Germain, Borussia Dortmund and Milan.
They produced a memorable win against PSG at St James Park and also almost did a double in the reverse fixture. However, a controversial stoppage-time penalty scuppered their hopes.
Both clubs have endured their fair share of injury problems this season, but that does not excuse their exits from Europe.
However, speculation about Howe’s future is not as intense as it is for Ten Hag, with the club reportedly happy to leave him in charge.
By contrast, Man United have been linked with former Wolverhampton Wanderers manager Julen Lopetegui as a possible replacement for Ten Hag.
The Red Devils face Liverpool and Aston Villa in the next few weeks. If their downward spiral continues, it may be curtains for the former Ajax manager.
