Cup win will not be factor, says Howe
NEWCASTLE United now know they must go to the red half of Manchester and return with at least a point as the race for the top six goes down to the wire.
The Magpies will travel to
Old Trafford, where they have won just once in the league in 51 years, and hope to stay above Erik ten Hag’s side before the season finale next Sunday.
Alan Pardew’s Newcastle beat Manchester United on their own soil back in 2013 courtesy of a Yohan Cabaye strike as David Moyes struggled to fill Sir Alex Ferguson’s boots. Earlier this season, Howe masterminded a 3-0 Carabao Cup win at the stadium but won’t be resting on his laurels for the midweek.
“I don’t think we’ll use it [the cup win] in any way,” Howe said. “It’s a very different game and moment in our season. I think it’s always when you’ve had a positive result at grounds you’re going to visit but this is a one-off game and we’ll do everything we can to perform well.”
Newcastle’s 1-1 draw with Brighton on Saturday was swiftly followed by Chelsea snatching a late win at Nottingham Forest.
Manchester United are three points behind the pair after yesterday’s defeat to Arsenal at Old Trafford.
Thankfully, Newcastle have a positive goal difference of 22, while Chelsea sit on 12 and Manchester United’s is minus four.
With the Euro race so finely poised, it could come down to the extraordinary scoring record of Howe’s side.
“Two huge games. The Manchester United game is set up perfectly, isn’t it?” Howe added. “That’ll be massive for us, we’ll give everything we can to try to get a positive result.
“And of course, Brentford will take care of itself on the last day. But as we said all along, it’s probably going to go to the wire.
“It’s in our hands, our goal difference is really strong. You always prefer that way.
“You can control what you can control, we don’t have to look at other results.
“But still, we don’t take anything for granted, we know how difficult these two games are going to be.”