Michael Owen previously played for both Newcastle and Man Utd (Photo: Getty)
Michael Owen has backed Newcastle to qualify for the Champions League knockouts but believes it is the end of the road for Manchester United.
Both the Magpies and the Red Devils face pivotal games this week which will determine whether they’ll continue playing in Europe this season.
A shocking campaign has left United bottom of their group and in order to progress they must beat Bayern Munich at Old Trafford on Tuesday and hope that Copenhagen vs Galatasaray ends in a draw.
As for Newcastle, they host AC Milan on Wednesday with both sides needing to win to stand any chance of qualification, and they also need PSG to fail to beat Borussia Dortmund.
It’ll be a very tough task for both Premier League sides who are struggling for form and with injuries, but Owen believes that one of his former clubs stands a good chance of making it to the round of 16.
Speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest Champions League Betting, the legendary striker said: ‘Newcastle were incredibly unlucky not to get the three points against Paris.
‘Everybody is unanimous in that not being a handball and they were very unlucky to concede. It put a completely different complexion on the game.
Champions League odds:
To qualify from Champions League Group A:
Bayern Munich already qualified
FC Copenhagen – 4/5
Galatasaray – 11/8
Man Utd – 8/1
To qualify from Champions League Group F:
Borussia Dortmund already qualified
PSG – 4/9
Newcastle – 9/5
AC Milan – 11/1
Odds courtesy of Betfair
‘Having said that, Newcastle are still in with a strong chance of qualifying. I’d fancy them at home against AC Milan considering their support and momentum.
‘Their injury situation is a big dilemma and you have to feel sorry for them. They’re making such a good fist of the Premier League and Champions League with half a squad – it’s incredible.
‘I fancy them to win at home, and you wouldn’t be 100% sure that Paris will go to Dortmund and win. Newcastle still have a good chance, but they would have had an even bigger one had the penalty not been given!’
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As for United, they face Bayern, a side that has not lost a UCL group game for six years, off the back of a humiliating 3-0 home defeat to Bournemouth, and Owen can’t see much hope for Erik ten Hag’s men.
He added: ‘I can’t see Manchester United qualifying. I don’t think they’re good enough. I want all the English teams to do well, but I just don’t think Man United have done well enough to reach the next round.
‘The result has to go their way as they’ve had opportunities to win. I think it’ll be too difficult for them, and I don’t think they will qualify.’
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United and Newcastle must beat Bayern Munich and AC Milan to keep their UCL dreams alive.