Newcastle United fans react on Twitter to Borini's copying Sunderland claim

Sunderland striker claims Newcastle 'copied' them by sacking their manager.

Sunderland striker Fabio Borini is looking forward to the weekend's Tyne-Wear derby, but is wary of Newcastle's 'new manager bounce'.

The Magpies appointed Rafa Benitez last week, and while they lost his first match away to league leaders Leicester on Monday, not much was expected given the positions of the two teams in the table.

This weekend is different, with the teams separated by just one place in the table, and battling relegation.

Sunderland have benefited in recent derbies by changing their own manager beforehand to shake things up, and have won the last six in a row.

Borini told The BBC: "Usually that's our trick. We change the manager two games before, then we lose the first one and then we win the derby. They copied us.

"They have tried to do the same but I don't think it will work."

Sam Allardyce helped Sunderland out by winning his first derby in charge earlier in the season after replacing Dutch boss Dick Advocaat.

The former Italian under-21 international's comments have caused a bit of amusement among Newcastle fans to say the least.

Here is a look at their response via Twitter...