It’s a question that’s sparked debate aplenty among the Magpies faithful online.
Being outside the Premier League is like a footballing wilderness – Newcastle know this too well under Mike Ashley. But would it really be so hard to stomach, if we got what we crave so much – a United captain lifting some meaningful silverware for the first time in 51 years, or domestic for 65?
The debate will no doubt rumble on, even after Steve Bruce’s men were handed perhaps the toughest draw possible in the last eight, albeit at home against the head and shoulders best side left in the competition, Manchester City. That game will take place at St James’s Park on the weekend of March 21.
Competition progress has fans dreaming, but what impact has the FA Cup run had on United – who sit five points above the bottom three – and possible involvement in a relegation fight? And what impact has it had on the other teams fighting for their lives in the top flight?
Here’s a look at the direct, and indirect impact, a possible fixture pile-up will have on every team in the bottom seven of the Premier League – Norwich City, Aston Villa, AFC Bournemouth, Watford, West Ham United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United.
1. Norwich City - 20th - 21 points
Due to Tim Krul's penalty heroics (pictured above) the Premier League basement boys are still in the FA Cup mix. It might be a big ask for them to get safe in the top tier, four points behind their nearest rivals, but they're not out of it yet. Their game with Everton, due for round six date, will have to be rescheduled, while if they beat Manchester United on March 21/22, they will need to find a new date for their clash with Watford in April. Photo: Alex Davidson
2. Aston Villa - 19th - 25 points
Despite not progressing in the FA Cup, Aston Villa have also been subject to TWO postponements. Their visit to St James's Park on March 21 will have to be pushed back to a midweek later in the season and due to their involvement in the League Cup final, they will have to find a new date for their clash with Sheffield United. Photo: ADRIAN DENNIS
3. AFC Bournemouth - 18th - 27 points
Due to Spurs' loss to Norwich City, any chance of their games being moved due to the FA Cup have ended. They are slated to take on Jose Mourinho & Co on April 18, when the semi-finals will be taking place. Photo: Marc Atkins
4. Watford - 17th - 27 points
The only game which is in doubt involving Nigel Pearson's resurgent Hornets is the FA Cup quarter finalists' Norwich City's trip Vicarage Road on April 18, if the Canaries beat Manchester United in round six. Photo: Richard Heathcote