State of the nation themes

The Independent’s football newsletter [SUBSCRIBE]( [SUBSCRIBE]( February 24, 2023 [View in browser](   [The Independent]( [The Independent]( State of the nation themes The least important trophy offers a day of consequence For a domestic fixture often considered an afterthought at worst and a bonus at best, this Sunday’s League Cup final covers some of the biggest issues in English football right now, which has also played into why both clubs so badly want to win it. Manchester United are aiming to win their first trophy in six years, a success that would signpost the improvement under the burgeoning Erik ten Hag era, and also provide celebration after years of underperformance - more of which momentarily. Newcastle United are meanwhile [looking to end an even longer wait](, having not lifted a major trophy since 1955. That has prompted some very pure emotion around the club, and it would be difficult to begrudge the fans celebrating. It’s just it comes in a hugely complicated context, where Newcastle have in large part only returned to Wembley due to their Saudi Arabian ownership. Such questions may soon apply to the other United, given that [there is a Qatari bid to take over from the Glazers](, that is widely seen by all authorities as a state project. The importance of all this can’t be overlooked, which is all the more remarkable given these are the two clubs meeting for England’s least important major silverware. Takeover still expected to be a "slow burn" As regards that takeover, many see Qatar as favourites to be the owners of Manchester United, but that is dependent on [whether the Glazers will actually sell](. All of the interested parties are now just waiting, with no real timescale on the next step. The process is expected to be a “slow burn”. Within that, the latest murmurs were that the Glazers were leaning towards minority investment, as Joel and Avram are both minded to keep the club. There has long been debate in the family about that. Some of the bidders are skeptical, mind. They see such chatter as typical of Mergers and Acquisition processes, that is especially useful when it comes to driving up the price. Howe looks to recharge season in game of campaign Newcastle United’s form has [dipped at precisely the wrong time]( as regards giving the best account of themselves for this final, and it is beginning to feel that they were on a wave that overly elevated their position earlier on. As Eddie Howe creditably sorted their defensive structure, a number of attackers - particularly Miguel Almiron - were on spells of especially good form at the same time. That, as tends to happen with good players who aren’t quite on that top level, tends to pass. That is probably what will come with the future. For the present, Howe has been concerned with reviving that form. It’s been a mood of ultra-focus this week. The players have not been allowed do media. Howe wants [all talking to be done from kick-off](. Except a ferocious start on Sunday. White Paper not quite given universal praise Perhaps the final is fitting in other ways, given how the issue of state ownership has dominated the week. One place it was missing from discussion was within the government White Paper in football. The document has generally been lauded, bar in two areas, for different reasons. [One is in the Premier League](, where “we’re not exactly singing its praises”, in the words of one prominent source. Another is within human rights groups and an increasing number of football supporter groups who are concerned with how this landmark document for the game [has evaded its greatest current problems](. “Government regulation of football is long overdue and welcome and the white paper addresses the key issues,” FairSquare said. “Unfortunately it is silent on arguably the biggest threat to the vitality, integrity and sustainability of the game. State ownership poses an unprecedented threat to the English game and to European football more broadly and this white paper leaves English football wide open to the worst type of manipulation." Messages sent in the title race More lightly than all the above, there is a new front in the title race: the Norwegian international squad’s WhatsApp group. Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard naturally lead the group, but this has offered a rare case where the rest are able to wind those two up about [how the title race is going](. It is all in good nature, of course, but both are capable of barbs.   Top stories [How to replace a legend? This club appointed another one]( [Vinicius Jr discovers ruthless edge to thrive as Real Madrid’s game-changer](   Enjoying this newsletter? Unlock unlimited, ad-free reading on the website and in The Independent app when you subscribe – plus, benefit from our [welcome offer when you join today](.   Miguel's Dispatches In this section, and in general, I’d generally try and avoid referring to social media responses because it is part of the noise of the job. In the case of the Manchester United takeover, though, it has become part of the story. Any journalists who have [written critically of the club potentially being used as a sportswashing vehicle]( have been met with the most ferocious backlash and abuse. It is striking, and - put bluntly - is one of many reasons these states seek to buy clubs for political reasons. Such takeovers mobilise people. You suddenly see so many Qatari flags on United-supporting accounts, just as it was with many Newcastle United accounts and Saudi Arabian flags. The heartening thing, however, is how many Manchester United supporters evidently have real concerns about how their club would be used. It is the one element to remember in all of this discussion. It is not about the clubs. It is about protecting the clubs, and the purer elements they stand for.     QUOTE OF THE WEEK "I have a good relationship with the Sheikh. He is a serious, responsible person and I think he would do a good job." Barcelona manager Xavi on Manchester United’s prospective new owner, before their Europa League game. Also Xavi: played and managed in Qatar for six years on a lucrative wage, during which period he said "there is much unfounded criticism" of the state   Reading the game quiz Reading the game quiz Since the introduction of the Champions League last-16 knock-out stage in 2003/04, there have been eight seasons when one or fewer English clubs got through to the quarter-finals. Name the seasons. ([You can find out the answers here](. 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