They may have been without their manager on game day, but nothing was going to stop Newcastle United from carving up the field against Manchester United.
Newcastle powered to a 4-1 victory over a troubled United outfit at St James’ Park as the hosts continue on their quest to gain automatic Champions League qualification.
The post-match celebrations were one of great excitement for the home team but a key figure of the club was a notable absentee.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe was forced to miss the match on Monday as he had been admitted to hospital two days prior where he still remains under “expert medical care”.
It is unknown the exact illness Howe is suffering, though Newcastle confirmed the 47-year-old is “conscious and talking with his family.”
Assistant coaches Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones stepped into the absent leader’s role against United in what is the second time Howe has missed a match during his tenure.
The only other time Howe has not been present with his team was in his first game in the top job in 2021 as he had tested positive to COVID-19.
Having led Newcastle to a Carabao Cup final triumph over Liverpool just over a month ago, players conceded that it felt right to dedicate their win to their manager.
“When we went to the pitch we said, ‘We’ll play for him’,” captain Bruno Guimaraes said.
“He’s been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground.
“Hopefully this win gave him happiness and he’ll be back for the next one. It’s been a tough week for him.
Harvey Barnes, who managed to slot two goals in the game and claim the man of the match title, added: “We knew we had to put a smile on his face.”
Sandro Tonali opened the scoring for the home team with an incredible volley in the 24th minute.
Barnes followed his teammates individual brilliance with back-to-back goals to set the tone for the final 40 before Guimaraes slotted his team’s fourth in the 77th minute.
Tindall, who has worked under Howe for almost 17 years, revealed the manager had sent the team a congratulations message from his hospital bed.
“I’ve just seen a message from him congratulating us,” Tindall said.
“He was able to watch the game, and I’m sure it lifted his spirits.
“He was able to communicate earlier on in the week, then put his trust in everyone to put in a performance he’d be proud of, and the boys delivered.
“Hopefully he is back very soon.”
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