Eddie Howe has some big decision to make against Man United
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe and goalkeeper Nick Pope
Newcastle United head coach Eddie Howe and goalkeeper Nick Pope
View Image
Eddie Howe has suggested he is not afraid to wield the axe ahead of Newcastle United's crucial home game with Man United.
The Magpies go into the game with question marks over some performances in the 3-2 loss to Everton after Nick Pope dropped a clanger in front of the Gallowgate End and other stars flunked to make it five defeats from the last six Premier League games. Howe could hand Aaron Ramsdale his opportunity against the Red Devils.
When asked if some players were benefiting from his loyalty to them, Howe said to Chronicle Live: "Loyalty to players that makes it sound like you pick players based on what they've done previously.
"That’s not the case. I’ll always pick players who I think give us the best chance to win the next game.
"That is a really simplistic view on how I see it. They have to train to the maximum level.
"I will always judge the next training session, as I've said, the last game. If I think there is somebody better to pick, I have to pick them. for the benefit of the team. So that is my view on team selection."
Newcastle's £69million forward Nick Woltemade found himself in the centre of the storm against the Toffees after producing just 14 touches as he was pulled back and forwards from a midfield role to a striker position. Woltemade - who is a doubt for the Man United game - then endured some fierce criticism from observers and pundits during the sorry defeat.
Howe said he could not take himself to the world of social media and would hold talks with Woltemade.
Howe said: "That is news to me. I will have discussions with players, not necessarily about social media or what the narrative is.
"There is of course people at the club who have their eyes it (socials). It is not a world I can go into, if I go into it and read it and absorb it.
"My opinions are then swayed by nonsense. So I would prefer to keep my brain based on my own eyes.
"Nick is doing well. I would never overreact negatively to one performance from any individual.
"It is always about the longer-term and making sure they are continuing to improve. Nick has stuff to work on, and we are working on it with him, but I am happy with him."
Howe says that Newcastle must look to get into the faces of Man United and show the fight that has helped conjure up wins against the Red Devils in recent seasons.
He said: "Our intention in every game is to get into them, be a proactive team rather than a reactive team. Attack them. They have tweaked things tactically; they have a really good atmosphere there.
"You can see an upturn in their general performance; they have some really good players. It is a chance for us to rediscover our best form at home."
Find the best flights and hotels for Champions League games
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Content Image
Ensure our latest Newcastle United headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings