Eddie Howe fires warning to Sir Jim Ratcliffe ahead of Manchester United vs Newcastle fixture

Eddie Howe knows Newcastle are in pole position to secure a sixth-placed finish in the Premier League ahead of the final two games of the season.

Manchester United play Newcastle at Old Trafford on Wednesday night in a game that will be key in the race for sixth and European qualification.

Erik ten Hag’s side have 54 points and are behind Chelsea and Newcastle, who both sit on 57 points. United have the Magpies and Brighton still to play in the league.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe spoke of the importance of United being in the Champions League back in February, citing the impact their participation would have on FFP. However, United are now in danger of missing out on Europe entirely having already seen their Champions League hopes ended.

They suffered a 1-0 defeat to title-chasing Arsenal at the weekend, while Chelsea won against Nottingham Forest and Newcastle drew against Brighton.

The Reds have the opportunity to show spirit on the final home game of the season against Newcastle on Wednesday but will face a motivated side desperate for a result.

Howe has discussed the clash and when asked about Newcastle’s poor away record, he said: “We’re looking for some consistency – it’s not all been bad.

“I think we’ve won some good games, especially in the cups – but we haven’t had that feeling that we’re going to win consecutive games, that just hasn’t happened.

“We haven’t built up a rhythm on the road. As you say, it’s a great time to do that, two games in quick succession, two tough games individually, they’re both very difficult opponents.

“But I think we can go in confidence. I think we’re playing well and it’s been a real upturn towards the end of the season in our general performances. I think that’s key.”

Howe continued: “It’s in our hands. Our goal difference is really strong. You’d always prefer it that way, you can control what you can control, we don’t have to look at other results.

“But still, you don’t take anything for granted. We know how difficult these two games are going to be. They are two huge games. The Manchester United game is set up perfectly, isn’t it?

“That will be massive for us. We’ll give everything we can to try to get a positive result, and then of course Brentford will take care of itself on the last day. But as we’ve said all along it’s probably going to go right to the end.”

United won the Carabao Cup final against Newcastle last season but the North East club have won each of the three meetings since.

Newcastle are searching for just their second league victory at Old Trafford in 51 years.