‘Manchester United could have signed him’: Shay Given expresses Kieran Trippier shock at Newcastle

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Shay Given has stated that Kieran Trippier has been a ‘phenomenal’ signing for Newcastle United and how he could have joined Manchester United.

The 32-year-old was Newcastle’s first major signing under their new Saudi-led ownership and Shay Given admitted that he ‘can’t believe’ the qualities he has.

From representing Tottenham in the Champions League to winning the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid, the next step for Kieran Trippier is trying to guide Eddie Howe’s Newcastle to a top-four finish.

As of this moment, they are well on track after they demolished a sorry Spurs side 6-1 on Sunday, including going 5-0 up inside 20 minutes.

During Trippier’s days at Tottenham, he failed to win a trophy, but he is hoping that changes at St James’ Park.

The signs suggest that there is every chance it could happen, with Shay Given underestimating the ‘Champions League’ quality player, as he told Premier League Productions (23/04/23 at 1:15 pm).

“He won the league in Spain as well,” said Given. “He has been a phenomenal signing. It’s not often you talk about a right-back being a first major signing or a statement signing. The likes of Manchester United could have signed him. I think he is of that quality. I think he is a Champions League player.

“It’s quite refreshing he learned off Simeone in Spain as well. He has improved as a defender, as he has talked about. That spell away has helped him as a defender. We all know his quality as an offensive player. He is brilliant up and down that right side. His set-play delivery is probably one of the best in the league. He is probably up there with the best assisters in the league as well.

“But, defensively, he has added to that game as well. I see him regularly and sometimes I think ‘I can’t believe how good of a player he is’. I know that sounds naive. But when you watch him week in and week out. He is so consistent.”

TRIPPIER – NEWCASTLE’S PLAYER OF THE SEASON?

There have been many top performers for Newcastle this season and the fans have their work cut out trying to pick a player when the final whistle is blown for the season.

More than likely, the Magpies should get Champions League football, unless they shoot themselves in the foot.

But, either way, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Trippier land the Supporters Player of the Year because he has been outstanding, not just during this campaign, but the minute he joined the club.