Newcastle United delivered a powerful 4-1 victory over Manchester United at St. James’ Park, cementing their strong season and boosting their Champions League aspirations.
However, the triumph was tinged with emotion as manager Eddie Howe remained absent, recovering in hospital after feeling unwell earlier in the week.
Harvey Barnes, who scored twice and claimed the man of the match award, led the celebrations with fans. Fellow goal-scorers Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimarães joined the applause, but thoughts of Howe loomed large in the post-match atmosphere.
Guimarães, Newcastle’s captain, expressed heartfelt support for his absent manager: “Hopefully this win will give him back some happiness, and he’ll be back for the next one.”
Howe, who masterminded Newcastle’s Carabao Cup triumph over Liverpool just weeks ago, watched the match from his hospital bed and even sent the team a congratulatory message after their outstanding performance.
Despite his illness, his influence was evident in Newcastle’s pressing, fluid football, and inspired play under assistants Jason Tindall and Graeme Jones.
Reflecting on the 47-year-old boss, Tindall said, “Me and Eddie have worked together for 17 years, and in that time, he’s never missed more than a day or two. We delivered a performance he would be proud of. Hopefully, he is back very soon.”
The match itself was a spectacle. Barnes’ brace ignited the Magpies, while Tonali and Guimarães added to the scoreline, completing Newcastle’s first league double over United since the 1930-31 season.
The result strengthens their push for a top-four finish, solidifying their place as serious contenders for Champions League football next season.
