Eddie Howe sets out challenge to his Newcastle United players after Manchester United display

Eddie Howe has challenged his Newcastle United players to build on their best performance of the season against Manchester United.

Howe’s side departed the St James’ Park pitch on Monday night wondering how they hadn’t taken all three points against Ralf Rangnick’s Red Devils.

Allan Saint-Maximin opened the scoring after seven minutes but an inspired David de Gea stopped the Magpies from clinching the all-important second goal, as substitute Edinson Cavani rescued a draw.

United’s trip to Everton was postponed with positive Covid-19 cases and injuries ripping through Howe’s first-team squad.

As it stands, the game against Southampton on Sunday is scheduled to take place as planned, with Howe set to face the media on Friday afternoon.

But whenever Newcastle do return to action, Howe has urged his players to replicate their display against Man United as the battle for Premier League survival hots up in the second-half of the campaign.

Building on the Manchester United performance

“We need to build on what we have seen in this game,” Howe said.

“There were large elements of something similar in the Liverpool and Manchester City games but the results weren’t as good, and it gets lost. Obviously we conceded some very bad goals in those games.

“I think we’ve had some pretty consistent performances in the last three - but today was the best in terms of attacking performance and defensive delivery.

“That was the best we’ve seen since I’ve come here but hopefully we’ve got a lot more to go and we know the games only get harder, they don’t get easier.

“It’s a boost what I have seen from the players.”