Newcastle United

Chelsea and England midfielder Conor Gallagher is not interested in a summer move to Newcastle United, who are long-standing admirers of the 24-year-old. (Football Insider), external

Want more transfer news? Read Friday's full gossip column

• Brentford have lost each of their past four Premier League games against Newcastle, while they have only faced Crystal Palace more in the competition without ever winning (six) than against the Magpies (five).

• Newcastle have won both of their Premier League away games against Brentford – only against Crystal Palace have they ever won their first three on the road in the competition (first four).

• Brentford have alternated between winning (three) and losing (two) of their final league games in each of the past five seasons - beating Manchester City 1-0 last season.

• Newcastle have only lost their final league game in one of the past nine seasons (W7 D1), going down 3-1 at home to Liverpool in 2019-20.

Wolves are in the news this week for their pursuit of a vote on the scrapping of VAR.

Their wishes drew further scrutiny on Wednesday when Newcastle United winger Anthony Gordon found himself in the middle of a contentious call before offering a strong view on the technology after his side went down at Manchester United.

"Modified" is the word when we are talking about VAR going to a vote.

We are still getting to grips with it, but we have seen some good come from it. There have been some instances of indifferent decisions because calls are getting too many looks at them from so many angles.

They still do not know what is a good tackle and what is not. I think they need help from some former players, who have been in that situation and understand what the differences are in those challenges.

We keep talking about different angles and that is not going to go away because with VAR or without it, on certain challenges we would still disagree. You could have two current players in a room and they still would not agree.

It is Wolves' opinion on VAR and if they feel it is not working for them, then you can understand why they are saying to have a go without it again.

Molineux boss Gary O'Neil has been very frustrated, but he has also been balanced and tried to stay quiet. Now he does not want to stay quiet because he feels it does not benefit them and decisions are not going their way.

Overall, we have seen good things from VAR, even if it does bring with it a delay and a wait.

It would be a shame now for it to all go away when we have all the technology in place.

Michael Brown was speaking to BBC Sport's Katie Stafford

Magpies fans, you go into the final day with the possibility of qualification for the Europa League and the Europa Conference League - but also the chance of missing out on Europe altogether.

What are your thoughts before travelling to Brentford on Sunday?

Is this season defined by Europe or has it still been successful whatever happens?

Have your say here.

We asked for your views on Thursday's Premier League game between Manchester United and Newcastle United.

Here are some of your responses

Man Utd fans

Dean: It is a great shame a lot of the players did not show up this season like they did on Wednesday. One thing is for sure though, if you give Erik ten Hag the tools to work with, he will deliver.

Peter: Why, oh why, leave it to the penultimate league match to prove they can get it together? I suppose a lot of the players are getting very worried about being sold as nobody else will offer the same sort of wages they have been used to.

Royston: The only positive tonight is the result. Could have gone behind on a few occasions with Newcastle missing clear chances. Yet again United won thanks to individual quality. Similar story all season. I can only hope they are not going to be embarrassed by Manchester City in the cup final. Forget Europe next season and start the rebuild from here.

Ian: I thought we were very lucky as it probably should have been a penalty for Newcastle and we also gave them plenty of chances. Ten Hag is hanging on by the skin of his teeth. No doubt he will have watched a different game though.

Newcastle fans

Steve: As usual Newcastle come out of the blocks flying but if they do not score early they run out of ideas. Too many Championship players in the side, so it is definitely time for a summer sale and build a team that can shine in Europe. Lewis Hall looks a great prospect so it is not all doom.

David: Poor defending yet again. It is just not good enough if you want to play with the big boys. Sort it Eddie!

Rob: We had our fair share of chances including an obvious penalty not given, even by VAR. Unlucky on the night to not at least get a point, but we just needed a bit of luck and better finishing to get a win.

Alex: Trippier looked lazy tonight. Another game where his lapses in concentration have cost us. He was directly at fault for the first goal keeping Mainoo onside and he forgot Garnacho existed leading to the corner for their second. His creative output, as with the run of games before his injury, was severely lacking. Would not be against a sale.

Simon Stone
Chief football news reporter

Image source, Getty Images

With 11 away defeats - and one game left to go - it is not hard to know where Newcastle should look if they end this season missing out on European qualification.

Eddie Howe's men were at least the equal of Manchester United at Old Trafford but they found a way not to even get the point that would have secured a top seven slot.

The frustration is they played well. But in moments they didn't.

Be it Alexander Isak's failure to score or Miguel Almiron's failure to make contact at the far post. Or, the failure to play a tight offside line for the home side's opener or close down Amad Diallo properly for their second.

At key times, Newcastle let themselves down.

Now they need either Chelsea in the league or Manchester United in the FA Cup to offer them a route back to Europe.

It is frustrating. But Newcastle only have themselves to blame.

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, speaking to Sky Sports: "We had chances to do more, but the way we defended the three goals wasn't good enough - this season compared to last we have conceded goals.

"It's something we have to change longer term."

On Kieran Trippier's position for the opening goal: "Reluctant to focus on one player.

"When you look back through the goals we have conceded today there are multiple errors in all three goals.

"I don't think Man Utd hurt us a great deal but we conceded three goals. We looked good going forward, we did create chances but didn't get enough bodies in the key chances, but we scored two goals and it should be enough to get something from the game.

"You feel momentum is with us and there is a much better feel with us in the second half. Then a second goal from a set-play. It is a combination of errors and we know we have to do better."

On Anthony Gordon's penalty call: "I thought it was a penalty. You have to see it one to three times to see where the contact is. I thought that's what VAR was good at."

On scrapping VAR: "I have always been in an era where the referee makes a decision and I back it.

"I would possibly keep it [VAR] with offsides, but I want more power with referees."

On Europe: "I don't know. In this moment we are disappointed to not win today. It was an opportunity to grab Europe instead of looking around at other results."

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle forward Anthony Gordon, speaking to Sky Sports: "I thought we played alright.

"Defensively away from home we have been poor - we have to fix that.

"We created a lot, but we didn't take our chances. We cannot blame anything else but ourselves.

"But, today wasn't our day."

On a potential ankle injury and penalty call: "Really sore. Not too sure how good my ankle will be.

"I have watched it back and it is a clear penalty. I don't mind the referee getting it wrong on the pitch, but I don't understand the point of VAR.

"He [Sofyan Amrabat] goes down my Achilles and pushes me in the back.

"I knew straight away, that is why I didn't appeal. I waited for the VAR to check, I told my team-mates 'it was a clear penalty'. I don't understand the point of it, either get rid of it or get better - it's that simple.

"I think I am quite fond of it. Fond of the idea and it should work, but there are too many mistakes."

On his hopes of Euro 2024: "I won't let a sore ankle get in the way of that."

Here are the key facts and figures from Wednesday's game between Manchester United and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

• Manchester United have lost just one of their 29 Premier League home games against Newcastle (W19 D9), while they have scored more goals against the Magpies at Old Trafford than against any other opponent (66).

• Manchester United have conceded 58 Premier League goals this season, their most across a single campaign in the competition. The Red Devils last shipped more in a season in 1978-79 (63).

• At 21 years and 309 days, Amad Diallo is the youngest African player to both score and assist a goal in a Premier League match since Kelechi Iheanacho for Leicester against West Brom in March 2018 (21y 158d).

• Anthony Gordon is only the fourth Newcastle player to score home and away goals against Manchester United in a Premier League campaign, after Andy Cole (1993-94), Demba Ba (2011-12) and Matty Longstaff (2019-20).

• Kobbie Mainoo's goal was the 10th strike to have been scored by a teenager for Manchester United in the Premier League this season (Alejandro Garnacho seven, Mainoo three), making this just the third campaign that this has occurred for the Red Devils in the competition, along with 2004-05 (15) and 2019-20 (11).

Rasmus Hojlund broke his 10-game scoring drought to seal victory for Manchester United in a thrilling Old Trafford encounter with Newcastle.

Anything other than a win for Erik ten Hag's side would have condemned them to their lowest league finish in 34 years.

Instead, they go into the final day needing to better Newcastle's result to claim a place in next season's Uefa Conference League, although they will qualify for the Europa League if they beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley on 25 May.

Kobbie Mainoo put the home side in front after 31 minutes when he applied a cool finish from 10 yards after being played onside by Kieran Trippier.

Anthony Gordon levelled four minutes after the restart and Manchester United needed a brilliant tackle from Sofyan Amrabat to stop them from going behind as Alexander Isak failed to finish a three-on-one counter.

Amad Diallo drove home his first Premier League goal just before the hour mark as Newcastle failed to clear a corner to put Manchester United back in front, although Eddie Howe's visitors were inches away from an equaliser as Miguel Almiron just failed to turn home a low cross from the excellent Gordon at the far post.

It was left to Hojlund to settle home nerves, stepping to his right before sending a low finish into the bottom corner for his 15th goal of the season.

However, those nerves still jangled a bit, as Newcastle left-back Lewis Hall fired home from the edge of the box in the second minute of stoppage time but the home side held on.

Newcastle need a final-day win at Brentford to be certain of a top-seven finish for the first time in two decades.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Man Utd fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did the team perform, Newcastle supporters?

Follow all of the post-match reaction here

There are four Premier League teams in action today and we will keep you updated on all of the action from the two games.

Follow all of the team news and build-up

Pete Davey
Fan writer

We asked our Newcastle United fan contributor for their four player of the season choices and you can now vote for your top one.

Image source, Getty Images

Anthony Gordon

Gordon has had a sensational full debut season. No-one outside the fanbase expected this transformation, but Newcastle could see this coming from last summer - although even then we did not expect it to be this good. Into double figures for both goals and assists in the league (10 of each), he has been truly special. Lightning quick, he has added serious goals to him game, and against the best teams. His work for the side is infectious and his passion for the club is a great strength of his. Born a blue, but this lad bleeds black and white!

Bruno Guimaraes

What a man he is! The constant in a midfield decimated by injuries, he has kept the team ticking over when it had no right to be. Bruno's passion and competitiveness ensures he never gives up. He can mix it with the best of them and his technical ability to find the most difficult passes in the most difficult situations makes him such a special talent. Manchester City and Paris St-Germain may want him... but he is ours!

Alexander Isak

He is ICE COLD. Isak has had a sensational first full season at Newcastle. Some 24 goals and counting in a season when he has missed a number of games because of injury is really scary if you think about what he would actually be capable of. He is the complete striker - technically perfect, lightning quick and he has developed a resilience to navigate himself past tricky defensive teams. The ice man will only get better!

Fabian Schar

Schar has been nothing short of superb this season - a criminally underrated centre-back in English football has proven his worth. Starting nearly every game, Schar gives his body to the cause and puts it on the line time and time again for the team. He has been Newcastle's best defender by a mile.

Pick your 2023-24 Newcastle player of the season from our shortlist here

Pete Davey can be found at LoadedMag NUFC, external

Image source, Getty Images

Anthony Gordon has "got talent people are desperate for" says Neil Dewsnip, Gordon's former manager.

Dewsnip signed Gordon as an 11-year-old when he was head coach of Everton's academy and later went on to manage him when he was in charge of England Under-18s.

Speaking to BBC Sport about Gordon's potential Dewsnip said: "The next three or four years could be very exciting for Anthony."

"He was my last signing at Everton. He was a boy we looked at a few times, as did Liverpool. He was a little bit of a late developer, physically immature."

After leaving Everton's academy, Dewnsip reunited with Gordon with England and was part of the under 18 team that won the Limoges Tournament in 2018.

"That team had Bukayo Saka, Mason Greenwood, James Garner, Curtis Jones and Florin Balogun - he was part of a group that was full of exciting attacking talent," he added.

Dewsnip spoke about the bond he had with Gordon and how they'd chat whilst having coffee and he says Gareth Southgate is now the perfect man to impress ahead of the Euros this summer:

He added: "Gareth and Steve (Holland, assistant manager) are very meticulous in their preparation. They will have watched all the top talent and left no stone unturned. The aim is to win the Euros. If Anthony is in that group, he’ll have earned the right.”

You can read the full interview here

BBC pundit Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For Wednesday's game between Manchester United and Newcastle United, which was postponed from week 34 because of the FA Cup semi-finals, he takes on singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan Sam Tompkins.

Sutton's prediction: 1-2

We have started to feel sorry for Manchester United, haven't we? Saying things like 'they put up a good fight' in their defeat by Arsenal, or talking about how they pushed them and made it edgy.

I agree they did all of the above, but surely with Manchester United you want to see a bit more quality in their performance as well? At the moment, they are showing about as much quality as the roof at Old Trafford did during the downpour after Sunday's game.

It's hard to see anything different from them this time so, with apologies to Manchester United's fans, I am going to back their team to lose again.

I might have been wrong with the exact scoreline in the Gunners game, but Arsenal were always going to win - more than 57,000 of you voted on the outcome on my predictions page last week and 74% of you agreed with me. I don't think anyone was surprised by the result.

I thought Newcastle United would beat Brighton on Saturday, but they missed Callum Wilson, who was ill. He could be back for this game, though, and would give them the cutting edge they were missing against the Seagulls.

Tompkins' prediction: 2-1

Here are the key facts and figures before Wednesday's game between Manchester United and Newcastle United in the Premier League.

• Manchester United have lost just one of their 28 Premier League home games against Newcastle (W18 D9), going down 1-0 in December 2013 under David Moyes.

• Newcastle have won each of their past three meetings with Manchester United in all competitions, as many as in their previous 21 beforehand (D4 L14). The English team that most recently won four in a row against the Red Devils were Manchester City between 2013 and 2014.

• Manchester United have only lost their final home league game in one of the past 16 seasons (W11 D4), going down 2-0 against Cardiff in 2018-19.

• Having only won one of their first 10 away league games this season (D2 L7), Newcastle have since won four of their past seven on the road (L3). The Magpies are looking to win back-to-back away league games for just a second time in 2023-24 (also in January/February).

• Manchester United have lost nine matches at Old Trafford in all competitions this season; they have never suffered 10 home defeats in a single season before in their history.

• Newcastle's Eddie Howe has managed 14 away Premier League games against the division's two Manchester clubs without winning any (D2 L12). In the competition's history, only Steve Bruce (26) has managed more away games in Manchester without ever winning than Howe.

• Manchester United have lost both of their last two Premier League games, with Bruno Fernandes absent for both. Since he made his debut in the competition, the Red Devils have won 40% of their league games and averaged 1.3 points per game when he has not started, compared to a 53% win rate and 1.8 points per game when he has been in their starting XI.

• 60% of Sean Longstaff's Premier League goals have been scored this season (six of 10), while he has scored in back-to-back appearances in the competition for the first time. Newcastle have never lost a Premier League match in which Longstaff has scored (P9 W6 D3 L0).

Arsenal and Manchester City have made contact with Newcastle United and Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes, 26, over a potential summer move. (Caught Offside), external

Manchester United are trying to hijack Newcastle United's move for Fulham's English defender Tosin Adarabioyo, 26. (Talksport), external

Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

Matty Renton
Fan writer

The battle of the Uniteds for European qualification takes place this week as the season comes to a close.

Newcastle United missed a golden opportunity in their final home game of the season to stake a huge claim for sixth place. A draw against Brighton still leaves them sixth in the table after Manchester United lost at home to Arsenal, however it may be Chelsea that we should be worried about. A resurgent run of form under Mauricio Pochettino sees them hot on the heels in the top-six race.

Out of the three sides vying for Europa League football though, you’d want to be in the Toon Army's shoes. It’s all in their hands - do their own job, win their own games and they don’t have to focus or worry about anyone else. Easier said than done of course.

The Magpies have struggled on the road this season, winning only five games. Some 70% of Newcastle's points won this campaign have been at home, losing only three times at St. James’ Park. It's not ideal then that the last two games are at Old Trafford and a trip to Brentford.

As always though they’ll be backed by a sold out Geordie support cheering them on to hopefully more European adventures. Champions League trips for the first time in over two decades were a real treat this season but any form of European qualification will be deemed a success in my eyes.

After a turbulent year of injuries and suspensions, to even be in with a shout of top six is remarkable and all praise must go to Eddie Howe and his players. Two huge games remain to get the job done. I’m confident, and I’ve got my passport at the ready. Howay the lads!

Matty Renton can be found at The Magpie Channel TV, external

Image source, Getty Images

Newcastle United have announced they will be travelling to Japan to play two friendlies over the summer.

The Magpies will fly to Tokyo and will play Uwara Red Diamonds at the Saitama Stadium on Wednesday 31st July before facing Yokohama F.Marinos at the Japan National Stadium on Saturday 3rd August.

Speaking to the club's official website Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: "We are pleased to be visiting Japan this summer. It's an amazing country and it will be a unique experience for our players, staff and supporters.

"We will be taking on two strong teams at two special stadiums, and I'm sure they will present the type of physical tests we need at that time as we build towards next season."

Image source, Getty Images

It has been an injury-plagued season for Eddie Howe's Newcastle United, but he says everyone has "just got on with it" and "stepped up" in the absence of key players.

Goalkeeper Nick Pope has been out since December with a shoulder injury. Midfielder Joelinton and striker Callum Wilson have also been missing for extended periods.

Captain Jamaal Lascelles and fellow centre-back Sven Botman are also ruled out long-term after suffering anterior cruciate ligament injuries.

This is on top of the general knocks and illnesses within the team.

"We have been challenged," said Howe before he takes his side to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Wednesday. "But they have just got on with it and done their best.

"We will now try to do our best to finish as high as possible."

The Magpies' European qualification hopes were boosted by the return of Joelinton and Miguel Almiron against Brighton at the weekend, but Howe is cautious of not rushing them back too soon.

"It is nice to have those options," he added. "But I need to look at them individually. I cannot lump them together because they have both had different injuries.

"It is really good to be in the position to make attacking changes with those who have undoubted qualities.

"But we are still limited on numbers so anyone who is fit is basically on the bench."