'We are against everybody!' - Eddie Howe wants Newcastle players to use anger as motivation after VAR debacle against PSG

Howe was defiant in his pre-match press conference as he once again berated how his team had been on the wrong side of an unfortunate VAR decision. Newcastle were aggrieved Tino Livramento was punished when a cross from Ousmane Dembele struck his elbow via his torso - Kylian Mbappe dispatched the resulting and equalising penalty. The Magpies return to Premier League action on Saturday as they host Manchester United at St James' Park and Howe issued a rallying cry to his Newcastle players and fans.

Howe said: "We have to try and use it as motivation. I don’t know if that feeling has to be injustice, but if that helps certain players reach their full potential for this game, I’m all for that. I always want that sense that we are against everybody outside of Newcastle. That helps us. It’s a good mentality to have, that we are competing against everybody else. It has certainly served us well to this point so if it helps the players, great. I don’t think I had to develop [that attitude] strategically. I think it has happened [naturally]."

Newcastle have taken an 'us against the world' mentality throughout Howe's tenure. The club have been under heavy scrutiny since the 2021 takeover of the club by the Saudi Arabian Public Investment Fund. A recent failed vote on a ban of loans between linked parties was primarily focused on Newcastle's pursuit of former-Wolves star Ruben Neves now at PIF-owned Al-Hilal.

Having been unfortunate in the Champions League, Howe has attempted to once again galvanise his side and support to adopt a siege mentality. Of course, it must be noted that Howe's side have been on the fortunate side of refereeing decisions against Wolves and Arsenal in the Premier League this season.

Newcastle will host Manchester United with both sides looking to put midweek Champions League disappointment behind them. Newcastle sit one point behind their opposition and will hope for a repeat of the performance that saw them run out 3-0 victors at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup.