Eddie Howe was furious with Erik ten Hag during Newcastle’s win over Manchester United, and the Athletic’s George Caulkin has explained why.
There was an altercation between Howe and Ten Hag during Sunday’s game at St James’ Park, shortly after Newcastle had taken the lead against Manchester United.
The Toon boss could be seen getting in the face of Ten Hag, which is very out of character for Howe. He is normally cool, calm and collected, while Jason Tindall is the one getting irate.
But something irked Howe on Sunday, and now the Athletic’s George Caulkin has explained what sparked the touchline confrontation.
Why Eddie Howe was furious with Erik ten Hag
Caulkin has spoke on the latest episode of Pod On The Tyne, and provided details on the touchline spat.
“Eddie Howe put his fingers close to Ten Hag’s face and that was at a moment when the Man United bench had gone spare at Nick Pope dallying on possession in the second half,” he said.
“The reason Newcastle were furious was De Gea was taking an age with his goal kicks in the first half – within a few minutes in the first half.
“We’re just behind the dugout and Jason Tindall, as you would expect, was pointing this out to the fourth official. And they’re moaning about this, saying that sort of stuff.”
Manchester United hypocrites
There was always going to be an incident like there was on Sunday. It was inevitable after Ten Hag’s disparaging comments about the Magpies.
He described Howe’s side as ‘annoying‘ ahead of the Carabao Cup final, and continued with the timewasting accusations in the buildup to the Premier League encounter.
The comments were completely hypocritical from Ten Hag, who used similar tactics at Wembley then at Anfield before his side were spanked 7-0 by rivals Liverpool. It was clear mind games from the Dutchman, who appears to believe he is the second coming of Sir Alex Ferguson.
But he was put in his box by Howe and co on Sunday, with Newcastle absolutely battering his side – despite the likes of Luke Shaw refusing to give the Magpies any real credit.
Their timewasting was laughable, with De Gea taking an absolute age over his goal kicks in the first half. Yet the referee did nothing about it. Then Stuart Attwell had the audacity to speak to Pope in the second half.
It was incredible to see Man United’s staff complaining, and good on Howe for standing up for his team. As he has already said this season: we are not here to be popular, we are here to compete.
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