'Absolutely disagree' - Eddie Howe fires back at Man Utd claim ahead of Newcastle United clash

Eddie Howe has fired back at suggestions that Old Trafford has lost its fear factor ahead of Newcastle United’s crunch Premier League clash against Manchester United.

Sixth place Newcastle visit eighth place Man United and Howe’s side know that if they avoid defeat, they will secure a top seven finish and finish above the Red Devils for the first time in Premier League history.

The Magpies have lost just one of their last eight games whereas Man Utd have won just once in that time. The hosts have also lost nine home games this term, their joint-most in a single season, but Howe insists Old Trafford remains a tough place to go.

“Every time I’ve been there my record has not been fantastic so no, I absolutely disagree with that,” said Howe when asked if Old Trafford had lost fear factor. “We don’t underestimate Manchester United’s qualities or the magnitude of the game, we are preparing for a really tough match. We know it will be and we expect a good atmosphere. 

“When you look at Manchester United’s record at home, they’ve been competitive against every team. The Arsenal game was really tight, fine margins decided that game, it could have gone either way. And you go back to their draw with Liverpool, a really entertaining game.

“You never underestimate the challenge when you go to Old Trafford. We certainly won’t, we’re going to have to be at our best.”

Although recent form sits in Newcastle’s favour, history does not. The Magpies have only won twice at Old Trafford since 1972 - the most recent being the 3-0 win in November, and you have to go back to 1930-31 for the last time Newcastle last did the double over the Red Devils.

“[It’s a] massive fixture for both teams,” Howe added. “It’s coming to the end of a long season for both clubs. As always, I can only speak about us. We're desperate to do well in the game and we’re desperate to finish as high as we can.

“We know European competition is there but it can also be a long way away if we don’t get the results we need so we’ll do everything we can to try and win.”