Eddie Howe makes Man Utd vs Brentford admission after Newcastle United secure top four boost

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe is not paying much attention to Manchester United amid the intensifying top four battle.

Newcastle got the better of Erik ten Hag’s men over the weekend, and they continued their good form with a 5-1 away thrashing of West Ham United on Wednesday night. Though, the Red Devils also did their part on Wednesday, defeating Brentford to remain level on points with Newcastle, albeit they are below them on goal difference.

As things stand, both sides are sitting inside the top four, four points better off than Tottenham in fifth with a game in hand still to play. But there is still plenty of drama to come in the top four race, and both teams will be well aware of that.

Interestingly, though, Newcastle boss Howe has said he doesn’t pay attention to Man Utd’s results, telling BBC Sport after his side’s win over West Ham: “I thought it was a tough game. A strange scoreline. It could have been different if they’d scored their early chance.

“We rode our luck at times. We scored some great goals. When we clicked into gear we were very good. It’s been a really good night.

“[It was a] really good performance from Callum. He’s an outstanding goalscorer and has been a huge player for us. I was pleased with the second half as we played with more control. We weren’t perfect. We’re not really focusing on the league table. I don’t know the other score from tonight. We’ve won, that’s the main thing.”

Both United and Newcastle now have 10 games remaining this season, and they do not play each other again. Tottenham have nine games left, and they go into the final run of games without a permanent manager, sacking Antonio Conte and replacing him with assistant Christian Stellini on an interim basis.