Alan Shearer gives verdict on Newcastle reportedly appointing Unai Emery

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Alan Shearer has told The Athletic that Unai Emery is an exciting appointment for Newcastle – and he has what it takes to keep the Toon up.

Emery, who turns 50 on Wednesday, told media after the match that there is interest from Newcastle. However, the Toon are yet to make a formal offer.

It is believed that Newcastle are hopeful of completing a deal to raid Champions League side Villarreal for Emery, before this weekend.

Newcastle take on Brighton and the new owners are hopeful to relieve interim manager Graeme Jones of a third game in charge.

The Mail broke the news this week, claiming that the owners had spoken to Emery on Zoom – and a deal could be done by close of play on Thursday.

Shearer told The Athletic his thoughts on Emery. He believes it is an appointment that will delight fans, and he will keep Newcastle up.

“In the current predicament Newcastle are in, it’s going to be very tough, but I’m sure he’ll be backed by the owners.

“He’s got a huge job on his hands, but he knows the division. They need a lot of work, a lot of coaching, but he’s a new voice. A new set-up and new ideas.

“He’ll capture the imagination of the city and the fans. They’ll be delighted with him. He’s the biggest and best name they could have hoped for or got.”

Shearer on Emery: Does he keep Newcastle in the Premier League?

Rewind to the Europa League final. Emery’s Villarreal looked incredibly like a Newcastle side under Steve Bruce, camped inside their own half.

But the difference between Villarreal – 2-1 winners on that night against United – and Newcastle under Bruce, is that Villarreal countered superbly.

Like they had been coached perfectly. Winning the ball back, Villarreal were like a coiled spring that shot forward – releasing the tension.

When Newcastle countered under Bruce, it was largely – find Allan Saint-Maximin or Callum Wilson and hope for the best. No real tactical nous.

Do Newcastle survive with Emery? Yes – because they need a pragmatic manager, but one that has fans on side, and one that can counter.