Eddie Howe forced to pull out of Newcastle press conference after falling ill just days before Man Utd clash

EDDIE HOWE has been forced to pull out of Newcastle’s pre-match press conference with illness.

It comes as the Magpies prepare to take on Manchester United this weekend.

PA

Eddie Howe has been forced to withdraw from his pre-match press conference[/caption]

His assistant, Jason Tindall, will take the press conference instead.

Newcastle host the Red Devils at St James’ Park on Sunday.

It is currently unclear whether Howe will be in the dugout or not.

The Magpies last faced Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Monday.

They cruised to a 3-0 win over Ruud van Nistelrooy’s side thanks to an early brace from Jacob Murphy and a 34th-minute strike from Harvey Barnes.

Following the match, Howe said: “Impressive, but really professional as well in terms of the way that the players took the game.

“We stuck to our task, we were professional, really good to get a clean sheet, and three goals.

“I don’t think we were at our very best today.

“We certainly need an upturn in performance if we’re going to win the next three.”

Newcastle currently sit fifth in the Premier League table – in the Champions League positions.

England earned a fifth spot in Europe’s elite competition earlier this week following Arsenal’s 3-0 win over Real Madrid.

A win on Sunday could take the Magpies above Chelsea and up to fourth.