Jason Tindall says that Newcastle United has delivered an achievement that Eddie Howe would be “proud of” during their 4-1 victory over Manchester United.
The magpies went into the collision in St. James' Park without their influential head coach, who recovers from illness after he was admitted to the hospital on Friday.
Nevertheless, Newcastle produced an inspired version. Harvey Barnes scored twice, while Sandro Tonali and Bruno Guimaraes were also on target for the hosts who stimulated their Champions League -qualifying hope by climbing to fourth place.
Assistant – coach Tindall – together with goal scorers Barnes and Guimaraes – says that the team was determined to deliver in the absence of Howe, because they registered the first competition of the club on the Red Devils since the 1930-31 season.
“He was able to look at the game, and I am sure it has lifted his mind,” Tindall told Sky Sports.
“He trusted the decision we would make. We have been working together for a long time. He was able to communicate earlier in the week and then put his trust in everyone to give a performance he would be proud of and the boys who were delivered.
'We had to make a few tweaks during the break [at 1-1]We were a few meters on our press. The boys went back and delivered their tactical executions extremely well. “
“When we went to the field, we said we would play for him,” Guimaraes added. “He was part of our success, he has been incredible to us.
“We missed him on the training field this week. Hopefully it gave him lucky and he will be back for the next game. It was a tough week for him.”
“He is so influential during the week and on competition day,” Barnes continued. “We knew we were doing a job without him. We said before the game, we had to put a smile on his face.”
Barnes will tear you apart again … pic.twitter.com/4pyp0eotho
– Newcastle United (@NUFC) April 13, 2025
Newcastle will climb to third place above Nottingham Forest if they beat Crystal Palace in their game on Wednesday.
After already caught the EFL Cup last month – the first large silverware of the club in 70 years – the Magpies would like to close a memorable season by securing Champions League football for the second time in three years.
“We got ourselves in a fantastic position,” Tindall added. “At the start of the season you want to try to end as high as possible.
“Every competition is a cup final for us. We have to go outside and deliver the performance we have delivered today. If we can do that, hopefully, that is enough for the Champions League places.
In the meantime, Guimaraes tributed to Barnes, who became the first Newcastle player since Alan Shearer in 2000 to score twice against Man United in the same match.
“I love the way he plays,” said the Magpies Skipper. “He always works hard and tries to help the team. He deserves his moment. He is an incredible professional and an incredible player.”
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