This is why Bruno Guimaraes asked to be withdrawn from Newcastle United’s win vs Brentford

Bruno Guimaraes starred in Newcastle United’s victory against Brentford by netting a brace before withdrawing in the 78th-minute.

The Brazilian opened the scoring on 21 minutes when he headed home Kieran Trippier’s cross at the back post.

Guimaraes then added his second after the break just moments after Ivan Toney made it 2-1 from the penalty spot with a long-distance finish past David Raya.

The 24-year-old appeared to go down with cramp 12 minutes before the end and was replaced by the returning Allan Saint-Maximin.

And head coach Eddie Howe has revealed why the midfielder asked him to leave the field.

“I said to him to run himself out and once he was done let me know,” Howe said.

“Again, I think the beauty of Bruno is he won’t let the team down when he gets to the point of being done.

“He’s obviously building up his fitness levels after his injury. He took responsibility for that to let me know so I could withdraw him.”

Guimaraes missed four consecutive games between August and September with a hamstring injury before starting the 1-1 draw against Bournemouth.

A few days later, he jetted off on international duty with Brazil but picked up a thigh issue in training.

Howe has managed Guimaraes’ fitness over the last two games - also withdrawing him on the hour-mark at Fulham last weekend.

“It’s not just the player, but the person as well. He’s a pleasure to coach, pleasure to be around,” Howe said.

“He’s a really positive person. He’s an energiser, someone I love to coach and be with. Everyone connected with the club, me the players the supporters, absolutely love him.”