VAR: Everyone Is Against Us – Newcastle Coach Howe Charges Players Ahead of Man Utd Showdown 

Eddie Howe has claimed that Newcastle have to see themselves as against the world following their unlucky VAR call against Paris Saint-Germain.

In his pregame press conference, Howe was defiant, criticising his club once more for being on the wrong end of a regrettable VAR call. Newcastle was upset that Tino Livramento was penalised after Ousmane Dembele’s pass hit his elbow through his torso. Kylian Mbappe scored the subsequent, equalising penalty. Howe gave a call to action to his Newcastle players and supporters as the Magpies prepare to face Manchester United in their Premier League opener at St. James’ Park on Saturday.

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Howe said: “We have to try and use it as motivation. I don’t know if that feeling has to be injustice, but if that helps certain players reach their full potential for this game, I’m all for that. I always want that sense that we are against everybody outside of Newcastle. That helps us. It’s a good mentality to have, that we are competing against everybody else. It has certainly served us well to this point so if it helps the players, great. I don’t think I had to develop [that attitude] strategically. I think it has happened [naturally].”

During Howe’s tenure, Newcastle has adopted a ‘we against the world’ mindset. Since the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund acquired the team in 2021, the club has been the subject of intense scrutiny. The main topic of discussion during a recent unsuccessful vote on a restriction on loans between related parties was Newcastle’s pursuit of former Wolves striker Ruben Neves, who is currently with PIF-owned Al-Hilal.

Having been unfortunate in the Champions League, Howe has attempted to once again galvanise his side and support to adopt a siege mentality. Of course, it must be noted that Howe’s side have been on the fortunate side of refereeing decisions against Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

Both Newcastle and Manchester United will be hoping to move past their midweek Champions League setbacks. Newcastle, who trail their rivals by one point, will be hoping to replicate their Carabao Cup victory at Old Trafford, where they defeated their opponents 3-0.