EDDIE HOWE is a huge fan of Jacob Murphy’s versatility, but the Newcastle United boss claims it is the winger’s performance levels that are currently keeping him in the Magpies’ starting side.
Having made his first Premier League start of the season in the 4-1 win at Fulham, Murphy retained his place in the Newcastle line-up for Saturday’s home game with Brentford despite the presence of a fit-again Allan Saint-Maximin within the squad.
Murphy more than justified his continued inclusion in the side as he created a series of problems down the left-hand side and weighed in with Newcastle’s second goal, and the 27-year-old will be hoping to get the nod over Saint-Maximin again when the Magpies travel to Old Trafford to face Manchester United on Sunday.
Howe has been delighted with Murphy’s willingness to fill a number of different roles in the last 12 months, but feels the forward’s last two performances have showcased the level of quality he possesses when he is able to focus on his key strengths.
“Everyone’s different and needs different things,” said the Newcastle head coach. “Jacob is a hugely talented lad, and really appreciated by me, the players and the coaching team because of his attitude and versatility.
“He’s a player that will play anywhere for the team. He’ll never moan or have any negative reaction to being moved, so I can’t praise him enough for that team ethic.
“But it’s great to see him individually do well and come to the fore. He’s a brilliant trainer, very conscientious and I’m really pleased for him.”
Howe has a number of different selection decisions to make ahead of Sunday’s game, with Joelinton joining Saint-Maximin in pushing for a place in the starting side.
The Brazilian was a second-half substitute in Saturday’s win over Brentford, with Howe having given him plenty of time to recover from the knee injury that restricted his training during the international break.
There is also a chance Jonjo Shelvey could be back in the squad at the weekend, with the midfielder nearing the end of his rehabilitation process following a hamstring injury sustained in pre-season.
Manchester United will be without Scott McTominay on Sunday after the midfielder picked up his fifth booking of the season in his side’s 2-1 win at Everton on Sunday.
McTominay is facing a one-match ban, and will serve it when the Magpies head across the Pennines on Sunday afternoon. The Scotland international can play in Manchester United’s Europa League meeting with Omonia Nicosia on Thursday, but will have to sit out the Premier League meeting with Newcastle.
