Newcastle United returned to form on Wednesday night. And then some.
Eddie Howe’s side put two difficult results against Borussia Dortmund and Wolves behind them with a resounding 3-0 Carabao Cup victory over Manchester United at Old Trafford.
For as bad as the hosts were, Newcastle were equally as good.
In the midst of an injury crisis, Howe made a raft of changes but still got a fine tune out of his reserve players.
Tino Livramento teed up Miguel Almiron for the first with an excellent run before Lewis Hall scored a stunning second on the volley.
Joe Willock would add a third on a brilliant night in a stadium the club have not had much luck in over the years.
Watching on from the gantry, Gary Neville picked out three players in particular.
Man United vs Newcastle: Gary Neville says three players had a field day
Indeed, the former Man United defender believes Newcastle’s midfield options of Willock, Joelinton and Sean Longstaff thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
“You would think that [Man United] midfield will have to change. Willock, Longstaff and Joelinton are having a field day in there,” he said to Sky Sports in the 39th minute.
Man United vs Newcastle: Willock return huge
It is fantastic to have Willock back after a reasonably long-term injury.
The energy he and Joelinton have in the middle of the park even afforded Bruno Guimaraes a rest at such a key time in the season, when the games are piling up.
To have such options in midfield is wonderful. Though the Sandro Tonali situation is tough to take, Howe certainly has variety in the three players Neville mentioned, Guimaraes and the currently unavailable Lewis Miley and Elliot Anderson.
Make no mistake, Newcastle are missing some key players. But to have Willock back is the kind of boost Howe deserves with so many other fitness issues hanging around.
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