Jason Tindall has praised Newcastle for producing a performance that Eddie Howe “would be proud of” as we completed the league double over Manchester United for the first time in almost a century.

Stepping in for Howe, Tindall oversaw a 4-1 rout at St James’ Park thanks to goals from Sandro Tonali, a brace from Harvey Barnes, and Bruno Guimaraes.

Here’s what the (assistant) manager had to say after today’s huge win:

On Howe’s post-match message

The main talking point following on from today’s game remains Eddie Howe’s health and wellbeing after the gaffer was absent due to illness, with Tindall revealing that Howe had indeed watched the game and commended the team’s performance.

“I’ve just seen a message from him before I come to do the press, congratulating the performance from everybody and the team. He was able to watch it and I’m sure that will have lifted his spirits.”

“He sort of trusted the decisions that we would make. We’ve been working together for a long time,  and he was able to communicate earlier along in the week. And I think he put his trust in everybody to go out there and deliver a performance that he’ll be proud of, the lads certainly delivered that.”

Any update on Howe’s wellbeing?

There’s so far been no update on if Howe will be able to return to the touch line in time for the big midweek game against Crystal Palace, with Tindall himself saying there was no official update from him or the club at this moment in time.

“From Saturday morning it was pretty obvious he wouldn’t be here to lead the team today. So he put the trust in us to make the right calls. Big shoes to fill so I’m super proud we did that.

“It’s only the second time in 17 years we haven’t been side by side. He means the world to me and the players so the sooner he is back the better.”

“He means the world to me and the players so the sooner he is back the better. As we know, he was taken to hospital on Friday, and the club’s come out with a statement and as soon as we hear any further news, I’m sure you guys will be the first to hear about it.”

On an exceptional second half performance

On the game itself, a shaky first half saw us head into halftime level at 1-1, before we came roaring out the gates to eventually breeze past Manchester United and secure all three points.

“We had to make a couple changes at half time, just a couple of tweaks, I felt we were probably a few yards off on our press, certainly in the attacking half and we needed to close those gaps to be able to have more regains in the attacking half.”

“And the lads went out there and delivered that excellently. We felt we could hurt them in an area on the opposite side of the pitch and again the lads delivered the tactical executions superbly well.”

On taking the manager role today

Aside from a brief stint in charge of Bournemouth during Covid, the main managerial position is one that’s fairly alien to Tindall, who seemed to graciously say our performance today was all down to the players rather than himself.

“I was just obviously filling in for the manager, we’ve worked together for a long time.  And I think it’s a testament to the players we’ve got here, a great group of guys, we’ve spoke about delivering the performance that’s expected and to continue the standards we’ve set all season, they certainly went out and delivered that.”

“I think when you’re the frontman you have to stay calm and look at the game in a slightly different way. And yeah so if it was a different performance from me it wasn’t intended, I was just focused on the job at hand and doing the best I can for the team and for the football club.”

On doing the double over their opponents

For the first time since 1931, we’ve successfully done the league double over Manchester United, following up from our brilliant away win at Old Trafford back in December.

When asked about the landmark accomplishment, Tindall expressed how proud he was of all those associated with the club for their heroics not only today, but all season.

“It’s an incredible achievement to beat such a great side like Manchester United and do the double over them is a great achievement.

“Testament to everyone at the football club, the staff, the players, everybody, we’re so proud. From a personal perspective, I was just happy to deliver, or help deliver a performance that everyone was proud of.”

On Champions League hopes

Three huge points today has seen us ascend up to fourth in the Premier League table, outright clear of the chasing pack of Manchester City, Chelsea and Aston Villa with a game in hand as well.

This game, against Crystal Palace on Wednesday night, could see us even go into third place should we avoid defeat. But Tindall remained clear that the club’s goal is to stay focused and not get too ahead of ourselves just yet.

“That’s our aim. Come the start of the season, our aim was to try and be as high up the table as possible, we’ve got ourselves in a fantastic position, the lads know that.

“From this moment onwards, full focus is on to Crystal Palace, and making sure we deliver the same type of performance that gets us the three points.”