'No' - Eddie Howe names the Newcastle United player he didn't plan to start vs Man Utd

Eddie Howe admits it wasn’t his plan to start Kieran Trippier in Newcastle United’s 3-2 defeat to Manchester United.

The 33-year-old was handed his first start since the beginning of March after an ankle injury ruled Tino Livramento out of the trip to Old Trafford.

Trippier had previously spent nine weeks out with a calf injury. He enjoyed a brief cameo during last weekend’s 1-1 draw at home to Brighton & Hove Albion before getting through an hour on Wednesday night.

Asked if he planned to start Trippier, Howe said: “No, it was dictated to us by Tino's injury. Tino picked up an injury on Saturday to his ankle so Kieran had to play when he's had limited training time.

“Like a number of players for us this season, he's put himself forward for the group and I think he's played well but he was fatiguing in that moment so we had to take him off.”

The England man endured some shaky moments, first playing Kobbie Mainoo onside for the opener before allowing Alejandro Garanacho in on goal which forced Dan Burn to intervene.

But Howe said: ”[I’m] reluctant to focus on one player. When you look back through the goals we have conceded today there are multiple errors in all three goals.

“I don’t think Man Utd hurt us a great deal but we conceded three goals. We looked good going forward, we did create chances but didn’t get enough bodies in the key chances, but we scored two goals and it should be enough to get something from the game.

“You feel momentum is with us and there is a much better feel with us in the second half. Then a second goal from a set-play. It is a combination of errors and we know we have to do better."

Newcastle head to Brentford on the final day of the campaign still hoping to secure a European finish.

A win at Brentford and a defeat to Chelsea at home to AFC Bournemouth would see the Magpies clinch sixth. To finish seventh, they must equalise Man United’s result at Brighton.

Trippier is in line to keep his place at right-back with Livramento still absent. But Howe hopes to welcome back Callum Wilson, who has missed the past two games through illness.

Howe added: “Tino won't make Sunday, we now have to get him right for next season. Callum we anticipate will be fine.”