‘It’s a dream’ - Newcastle United legend reacts to record win at Sheffield United

Newcastle United legend Les Ferdinand lauded the Magpies players and the travelling supporters after a record-breaking win at Sheffield United.

Eddie Howe’s men showed no ill-effects after their Champions League trip to Serie A giants AC Milan as they returned to Premier League duty in devastating fashion by putting eight goals past the beleaguered Blades and racking up their record away win in league football.

The hosts had made a lively start to the game but they were blown away by three goals in the space of 14 minutes from Sean Longstaff, Dan Burn and Sven Botman. The Magpies showed little sign of letting up during the second-half as Callum Wilson, Anthony Gordon, Miguel Almiron, Bruno Guimaraes and Alexander Isak all added their names to the scoresheet in front of a boisterous away end at Bramall Lane.

Former United striker Ferdinand praised Howe’s men for producing such a ‘professional’ display after their midweek exploits at the San Siro - but did conceded he felt sorry for their hosts as they fell to a record Premier League defeat.

“For Newcastle United, it’s a dream,” explained the Magpies legend.

“Coming back from getting that 1-1 draw with Milan, you’re into the next league game and you’re wondering what’s the reaction going to be? The euphoria of going and playing in the Champions League the coming back here today, and getting eight goals, and performing in the way they did, it was very, very professional.

“Eddie Howe will be absolutely delighted. There were goals all around the team, it was just one of those performances and I am standing here feeling for Sheffield United because this was a poor, poor afternoon for them.”

Around 4,000 Magpies supporters made their way to Bramall Lane as they rounded off a memorable week with a spectacular performance on and off the pitch. Ferdinand remains a popular figure with the United fans and he was serenaded as he conducted his punditry duties in the aftermath of the game.

When asked what he thought of the supporters that adored him during a two-year stay on Tyneside, he was keen to stress the feeling was reciprocated.

He said: “They’re massive because they go everywhere, they’re the best supporters in the land.

“They go everywhere with this team and they support them wholeheartedly. If the score was the other way around, that bottom tier would still be the same, they’d still clap them off the pitch. It’s great that they celebrate with the supporters and they’ve given them a great afternoon.”

United are back in action on Wednesday night when they host Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.