Eddie Howe remains in hospital with an unspecified illness but was well enough to watch as his Newcastle United side produced an emphatic 4-1 win over Manchester United at St James’ Park. Assistant manager Jason Tindall stepped in to take charge on the touchline and later confirmed that Howe had sent a congratulatory text message after the match.
Although no update was provided on Howe’s condition, Tindall expressed confidence that the performance and result had boosted his spirits. “I’ve just seen a message from Eddie congratulating us on the performance and the victory,” Tindall shared. “He was able to watch the game, and I’m sure it has lifted his spirits.”
Howe became unwell during the week and missed three days of training before being admitted to hospital on Friday night for tests. Despite the absence, communication between the coaching duo has continued, albeit by text rather than conversation. Tindall reflected on their long-standing relationship, noting that Howe has rarely missed more than a day of work over the past 17 years of their collaboration.
Before the game, Howe sent a message entrusting Tindall with the responsibility of making the right decisions. Tindall, in return, reminded his colleague that he was sorely missed and praised the team’s mentality in delivering such a strong performance in his absence.
The victory lifted Newcastle to fourth place in the Premier League, strengthening their push for a Champions League spot. Bruno Guimarães, who capped off the win with Newcastle’s fourth goal, dedicated the result to his manager, stating, “We won it for Eddie Howe.”
The result piled further pressure on Manchester United, who now sit 14th in the table and must quickly regroup for their Europa League quarter-final second leg against Lyon. The tie is currently level at 2-2 after the first leg in France, and manager Ruben Amorim acknowledged the need for significant improvement from his side.
Amorim, who rotated his squad for the trip to Tyneside, admitted that Newcastle were dominant and deserved their win. “We need to get better, we need to improve,” he said. “This is maybe the hardest stadium in the league and Newcastle are a really good team in a good moment. But we need more control, and the next game is massive for us.”
The defeat left Amorim facing questions over the team’s consistency and character, with Bruno Fernandes also addressing the issues within the squad. Asked whether the players “want it enough,” the captain admitted it was a fair question. He acknowledged the team’s shortcomings, pointing to a lack of bravery and fearlessness, but also defended his teammates, saying the club is in unfamiliar territory when it comes to struggling this badly.
Fernandes, who cut a visibly frustrated figure throughout the match, explained his emotions stemmed from belief in his teammates’ potential. “I only get frustrated with my teammates because I know how good they can be,” he said. “And because I know how tough it is to play for this club.”
As Newcastle look ahead to a midweek clash against Crystal Palace, Tindall remains unsure whether he will remain in charge or if Howe will be back on the touchline. Regardless, the win over Manchester United served as a timely morale boost and a strong statement of intent in the race for European football.
