Newcastle United owner Mike Ashley dubbed himself 'the most unpopular man in football' in a meeting with Manchester United supremo Ed Woodward, according to a report.
The Magpies recently earned a crucial 1-0 win over the Red Devils earlier this month as Matty Longstaff capped his Premier League debut with the winning goal.
The win lifted Steve Bruce's side out of the relegation zone and relieved the pressure that had been building on the Newcastle manager.
The same cannot be said for Ashley, though, with Magpies fans growing tired of his unpopular 12-year reign.
Aside from the Manchester United game, supporter numbers have been dropping at St James' Park and fan groups are becoming more steadfast in their opposition to an owner who has presided over two relegations and the departures of popular managers Kevin Keegan and Rafa Benitez. Even Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn criticised the United owner last week.
Meanwhile, Woodward is far from popular among Manchester United fans. His appointment as CEO came of the back of Sir Alex Ferguson's departure and the club has been on a steady decline off the pitch ever since.
Woodward's transfer policy and managerial appointments have been criticised, as has the club's recruitment during that time.
The Athletic claims Woodward popped his head into the boardroom to meet Ashley and his associates he was greeted with this riposte from the Magpies owner.
“The most unpopular man in football meets the second most unpopular man in football."
