Howe criticized Newcastle’s defending after conceding three to Manchester United

Newcastle coach Eddie Howe admits that his team’s poor defense was the reason for Manchester United’s 3-2 defeat in the Premier League.
The Magpies played a fantastic game against their European rivals at Old Trafford but fell short on the night, meaning they must now win on Sunday to secure a place in the Europa Conference League.
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There were always goals in this game, both sides determined to use the attacking method.
United’s fragile defense was tested throughout the night, but it was really the Magpies who struggled to keep the ball in the net.
Goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund were not enough to cancel out strikes from Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall and Howe was left fuming in his post-match interview.
What he said
Speaking to BBC Sport, the manager said: “It worries us. Away from home this year our record was not good enough.
Eddie Howe in tonight’s defeat. 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/VdiTDNf98s
– Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) May 15, 2024
“It’s a familiar scene. We conceded some bad goals and ended up losing the game.
“It was a good game. We looked like a good team but others were defending us and we were disappointed.
“With our attack we were good and we were dangerous the whole game. We’ve got our goals right. Disappointed we didn’t get more.
“There is an opportunity and even if there is an opportunity, we will give you everything we can.
“Anthony Gordon has done really well for us. He took his goal well. He should have had a penalty.”
European dreams
A win at Old Trafford would extend the gap to the Red Devils to six points and ensure Newcastle will not finish lower than seventh.
But now they have to get the job done on the final day and they have the advantage over Erik ten Hag’s side thanks to their superior goal difference.
The chase for a European place next season will continue until the Final Day. 🏃 pic.twitter.com/riK8JY3o8B
– Premier League (@premierleague) May 15, 2024
They can still finish above Chelsea but they need the Blues to lose to Bournemouth at Stamford Bridge.
Howe admits that Wednesday night’s game was an opportunity to catch Europe and they must improve if they are to win against Brentford on Sunday.
He continued: “At this moment we are disappointed not to win today. It was an opportunity to hold Europe instead of looking at other results.
“If you look back at the goals we conceded today, there are many mistakes in all three goals.
“I don’t think Man Utd hurt us too much but we conceded three goals.
“We looked good going forward, we created chances but we didn’t get enough bodies in the key chances, but we scored two goals and it should have been enough to get something in the game.
“You feel that the momentum is with us and there is a much better feeling for us in the second half. And then the second goal from the set game. It’s a combination of mistakes and we know we have to do better.”