Eddie Howe on tough fixture run: 'They are all pivotal games' | OneFootball

Eddie Howe has talked ahead of Wednesday evening's clash with Manchester United that sparks the start of a challenging month for Newcastle United.

The Magpies lost 3-2 at home to Everton on Saturday, which was their fourth straight domestic defeat at St James' Park with Howe's side not having won in the league at home since defeating Leeds United 4-3 in early January.

However, any home difficulties are likely to be compounded this month with United, Manchester City, Barcelona, and local rivals Sunderland all visiting St James' Park.

"They are all pivotal games," the Newcastle boss said of the three games against the two Manchester teams and Barca from now until March 10th.

"With these games, we have to try to be positive and relish them. We can't play with any fear or with the thought of us not winning at home for a few games. We have to go and attack them. We have to play the games with our brains, not looking back and only looking forward."

Howe was also asked about interim Manchester United boss and boyhood Newcastle fan Michael Carrick: "He has definitely tweaked things tactically. It looks like he has built a really good atmosphere there, and players will play better because of that. He has been a real positive for them because you can see a real upturn in their general performances.

"It will be a great opportunity for us to rediscover our best form at home."

The Newcastle manager went on to talk about his side's troubles this season with the team currently 13th in the table, one point behind 12th-placed Sunderland and the mood around the club: ""It's one of frustration really. When I look back at the games where we haven't executed what we want or we have performed uncharacteristically, there's huge frustration.

"We feel we've made progress this season but then we take a step back from a point where we've just moved forward. It has been a mental challenge for all of us."