Throughout the course of this horrendous season, many of Newcastle’s players have shown glimpses of brilliance and quality on the pitch.
The likes of Gini Wijnaldum, Jonjo Shelvey, Moussa Sissoko and more have all dazzled on at least one occasion in a United shirt.
The Magpies’ harrowing league position and likely relegation will only further the conception that hard work and dedication outweighs natural talent and ability.
It also shows how the recruitment procedure at the club is all wrong and that the lack of research into mentality and attitude can prove costly.
I recently read the autobiography of Sir Alex Ferguson, and I came across an insightful passage where the legendary Scotsman informs the reader of how Manchester United went about signing players.
The ability of a certain player would be assessed by one of his trusted scouts, and when a sparkling recommendation found its way to Sir Alex’s desk, the investigation would begin.
Sir Alex and some of his intelligent lieutenants would always assess the player’s attitude to both life and football before agreeing to sign them.
The player’s reactions to certain scenarios on the pitch and his interviews with the media were both monitored.
Given how many successful, born-winners he recruited during his time at the Red Devils, one can safely say that this method paid off.
I feel that the men in charge of recruitment at United only took a target’s footballing ability into account when signing them – and this was a massive mistake.
After nearly every one of the staggering 61 goals conceded by the Toon this season, the players always reluctantly trudge back into their positions – not a whisper to be heard.
It’s sickening to see that there is no belief in this side, but not as sickening to see them not care about the club’s current plight.
The “we’ll get our week’s wages anyway” mentality will most certainly not bode well for any team in the Premier League, especially considering the increased amount of competition in the league.
It says it all when 22-year-old Jamaal Lascelles is the only player showing any passion and leadership at a time when the club’s senior players’ attention is needed most.
United’s stand-in captain, Jonjo Shelvey, refused to address the media following the most recent loss to Southampton and Lascelles stepped up with a stunningly honest interview.
He said: “We need bigger characters on the pitch, players who care and who are going to get after each other”.
“We have lacked it this season and no matter how good you are, if you don’t have that fight and hunger and desire, it doesn’t matter”.
I couldn’t have said it better myself.
Barring a miraculous transformation in the players’ attitude and desire, the current careless, losing mentality that surrounds the squad will sink the Magpies down to the Championship – there’s no doubt about that.