Eddie Howe drops Newcastle United star v Manchester United

Nick Pope has been dropped for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash at home to Manchester United.

Eddie Howe has dropped Nick Pope for Newcastle United’s Premier League clash at home to Manchester United.

Aaron Ramsdale of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK at St James' Park on February 24, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

placeholder image — Aaron Ramsdale of Newcastle United arrives at the stadium prior to the UEFA Champions League 2025/26 League Knockout Play-off Second Leg match between Newcastle United FC and Qarabag FK at St James' Park on February 24, 2026 in Newcastle upon Tyne, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Magpies’ goalkeeping department has been back under the spotlight following Pope’s error in Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Everton.

Newcastle had just got themselves back in the game through Jacob Ramsey’s equaliser but conceded less than two minutes later when Pope spilled Dwight McNeil’s shot, which allowed Beto to tap home for 2-1.

It is one of several high-profile mistakes from Pope this campaign after West Ham United, Brentford and Marseille. And the 33-year-old has paid the price tonight by dropping to the bench against Man United.

Aaron Ramsdale comes into the starting XI for eighth Premier League start since joining on loan from Southampton in the summer.

And the former Arsenal man will hope to impress as he bids to earn a permanent move to Tyneside. Newcastle have a £20million option to make his move permanent at the end of the campaign.

Newcastle United confirmed starting XI v Manchester United

Howe has made two changes from the Everton defeat with Harvey Barnes coming for club-record Nick Woltemade signing, with the German left out of the squad due to illness.

Newcastle United XI: Aaron Ramsdale, Kieran Trippier (c), Lewis Hall, Joelinton, Sandro Tonali, Anthony Gordon, Harvey Barnes, Malick Thiaw, Anthony Elanga, Dan Burn, Jacob Murphy

Substitutes: Nick Pope, Sven Botman, Yoane Wissa, William Osula, Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Alex Murphy, Leo Shahar, Sean Neave.