Mizgan Masani
Eddie Howe responds to Erik ten Hag’s annoying claims at Newcastle United
Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe responds to Erik ten Hag’s comments before the EFL Cup final that the Magpies are an annoying team.
Howe has made it clear that they won’t change their tactics ahead of the league game between the two sides later today at St. James’ Park.
Before the cup final, ten Hag branded Newcastle as a team that relies on time-wasting which makes them an annoying prospect to face. As it turned out, we didn’t really give the Toons a lot to waste time for… beating them 2-0 at Wembley in late February to win our first major trophy since 2017.
In response, Howe has pledged to not change tactics and bemoaned at them for getting that tag. Here’s what he said (h/t Manchester Evening News):
“It’s part of the game, but not the main part of the game. The main part of the game is we have to play well. We have to be really good in possession and really good out of possession. The game management stuff has been massively overblown towards us in the media. That’s just my opinion.
“First and foremost, we want to be a good football team, but if there are things you can do, as Kieran [Trippier] showed for the penalty [vs Nottingham Forest], to help your team in certain moments, that are all within the laws of the game, we will try to do it.”
Whatever Howe says does not sway us away from the fact that Newcastle are one of the best at wasting time and focusing on lesser minutes of games to be played.
While that was not put into practice during the cup final as United took the lead and controlled the game, we may see some of that in the league game later today.
It is an important game for both sides, especially for the Red Devils because they are only three points ahead of the Magpies. The latter has a better goal difference. So, if we lose, they will leapfrog us on the table.
Moreover, it is always good to start the final chapter of the season after the international break on a positive note. Ten Hag’s men are alive in the other two cup competitions. Winning games in the league would act as a momentum generator for those knockout encounters.
More Manchester United News:
- Erik ten Hag says Anthony Martial could be back for Newcastle fixture
- Manchester United have ‘concerns’ over England international Harry Maguire
- Eddie Howe ‘pushing’ to sign Manchester United midfielder Scott McTominay
After missing out on the England games, Marcus Rashford is back fit and travelled with the squad to the northeast. His availability would be such a massive boost for the squad that relies on his goals at the moment.
