And he was hoping his old club would beat a Lionel Messi-inspired Barcelona.
Tough shit, eh?
The right-back wanted Newcastle to win at Stamford Bridge late in the season, "so I can help United with the league".
Simpson: “People keep telling me this is the one time all season Newcastle fans will be cheering for Manchester United. Some will want to Barcelona to do them, but most people I’ve spoken to want the English side to win.”
Well he wasn't in the pub I was in last night, as most of the die-hard Toon fans in the Haymarket were on a high seeing the Mancs getting turned over.
Simpson: “It’s going to be a great game, and hopefully United will have learned a few lessons from the last time they played them.
“I was at the last two Champions League finals in Rome and Moscow and there were obviously very contrasting emotions going on.
“I remember the Moscow final the best (against Chelsea 12 months earlier) because I’d played a few games for United that season so I was part of the official club party.
“I wasn’t involved in the game, but it was still great to be out there and witness a bit of history. It was a special night.
“There’s going to be a lot of players that played in the last Barcelona game and I’m sure they’ll have learned a lot from the experience. It’ll be pretty much the same back four, and I’m sure Sir Alex has come up with a few plans to stop Barcelona playing.
“I think Manchester United will win it. Barcelona are a top-class team, but United have plenty of match-winners themselves and I think that’s been overlooked."
A 'THANK YOU' TO FOOTYMAD READERS ...
'MAGPIES IN EUROPE'
FOR £5.99 (inc post)
2010/11 has been NewcastleUtd-Mad's greatest season for page 'hits', and as a thank you to all readers we are giving you the chance (FOR TWO WEEKS ONLY) to purchase "MAGPIES IN EUROPE" for £5.99 (and that includes the postage).
*Normal price is £9.99
OFFER ENDS JUNE 10th 2011
Although "Magpies In Europe" will not be launched OFFICIALLY until next season ... if you want a copy it is available NOW from this website ... and ONLY from this website!
FOREWORD BY FAIRS CUP HERO JOHN McNAMEE
Sports Journalist Richie Everson: "At last a book that the fabulous Newcastle United fans can relate to. It's informative, all the facts and figures are there, plus the 120 match reports from all the fixtures ... but it is the articles by the supporters that amazed me.
"I went to many of those games, and this is the only book I can honestly say 'hits the nail on the head'!
"Yes we know the results and the scorers, but some of the facts in this book had me so wrapped up in it I couldn't put it down.
"Was Benny Arentoft cup-tied when he played in the final? Big Wyn and his battle with John McGrath; McFaul scoring a penalty when the crowd had gone home; the trouble in Palermo; it is all amazing stuff.
"I would honestly give this book 10 out of 10."
MAGPIES IN EUROPE
From Antwerp to Zurich
Please include your address in a letter and send a cheque (or postal order) for £5.99 payable to Mr K Fletcher, to:
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