Kieran Trippier rolled back the years to put in a 'vintage' display in Newcastle's 2-1 win over Manchester United
Eddie Howe embraces Kieran Trippier after Newcastle's 2-1 win over Manchester United
Eddie Howe embraces Kieran Trippier after Newcastle's 2-1 win over Manchester United(Image: 2026 Alex Livesey - Danehouse)
View Image
Write Kieran Trippier off at your peril. The Newcastle United captain may be 35 and entering the final few months of his contract at the club but, with performances like last night, it may be time to question whether his spell at the club should be extended beyond then.
Trippier's impact at Newcastle during his four years at the club is undoubted and his legacy on Tyneside is cemented with what he has helped to achieve.
He arrived with the club in relegation trouble. If he is to leave this summer, he will do so with the club having played two Champions League campaigns in three seasons and as a trophy winner. His quality, leadership and drive have been key to that transformation.
The former England international has had to deal with his fair share of criticism this season and many, myself included, have questioned whether his best years were behind him.
But he rolled back those years in some style when his team needed him most on Wednesday evening to put in one of his best performances in a Newcastle shirt. Eddie Howe described his display as 'vintage Kieran Trippier' and few could argue with that assessment.
With Newcastle opting to play without wingers in the second half of their 2-1 win over Manchester United, Trippier put in a tireless shift at both ends of the pitch.
His last ditch challenge on Matheus Cunha at the back post was vital and the cramp he had to deal with as a result of that incident summed up his efforts in the game.
With pressure piling on Newcastle in stoppage time, Trippier made a number of clearances and set the tone for the rest of the back four to see out the win.
When his challenge on former England team-mate Harry Maguire resulted in a Newcastle goal-kick, the roar from the Leazes End was just as loud as it was at the Gallowgate End when Will Osula smashed home the Magpies' winning goal.
At the full-time whistle, Trippier, who has played a huge amount of football given injuries to other right-back options Tino Livramento, Lewis Miley and Emil Krafth, looked spent.
His efforts were not lost on Manchester United assistant manager Steve Holland, who coached the former Spurs man as England assistant manager under Gareth Southgate. Holland sought Trippier out at the full-time whistle for an embrace and congratulated him on a superb performance.
His best years may be behind him but Trippier sent a reminder of just how good he still can be and has been for Newcastle since his 2022 move from Atletico Madrid.
Whatever happens beyond this season, few can question his efforts to keep it alive.
Content Image
Content Image