'A massive month' - Howe relishing return to Premier League action

The Magpies host Erik ten Hag's Red Devils, a repeat of this season's Carabao Cup final, aiming for a third successive Premier League victory after wins against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest and can move into third place of the English top-flight table with maximum points in the process.

With 12 league fixtures remaining, Howe is keen to atone for the 2-0 loss at Wembley Stadium in February as the squad get set for three matches in the space of six days, facing away trips to West Ham United and Brentford following this weekend's clash against Man United.

Here were the main talking points from Friday morning's pre match media briefing at United's Benton-based training ground:

On the status of the squad following the recent international break:

"I think it's been good for some players. It gave us an opportunity to rest a couple who were carrying niggles, problems and injuries and they had for a number of weeks. Fabian would be a prime example of someone that's played through pain and the break came at a good time for him.

"It came at a good time for Anthony Gordon to improve his injury and try to get him closer to returning. Hopefully, we've used that time wisely. He did a very small part of training on Wednesday so we'll see how he has responded to that today. 

"Nick (Pope) felt a problem in his thigh after the Wolves game. He didn't train in preparation for the Nottingham Forest game, completing that game with a bit of discomfort so didn't train when we were in Dubai. He has trained this week so the signs are good."

On further fitness updates, including Miguel Almirón and Sven Botman: 

"I'd love for him (Almirón) to beat the timescale given, but I just don't see it currently. He's making really good progress, he's pain-free, so I don't think there's any long-term issues but it's just a case of that's the time it's going to take for the muscle to fully heal.

"We're four weeks off, maybe slightly less, but he's making really good progress.

"Sven suffered food poisoning, quite a nasty bout of illness. I don't think he was alone in the Holland camp, there was quite a few players suffering the same thing, so he left the camp early to try and get himself back up to speed. 

"He has trained with us since he's returned so he should be fine."

On the importance of the remaining fixtures, with United targeting European qualification for the first time since 2011/12 following a fifth-placed finish:

"I think the games, at this stage, get bigger and bigger because you're running out of opportunities to correct yourself if you make a mistake. We're well aware of the importance of this game that we're back at home in front of our supporters.

"Our last result (at St. James' Park) was a really positive one as well so we're looking forward to playing again. It's been a long two weeks for us and we're keen to play again quite quickly.

"We feel we've prepared as well as we can do for this game and the team is ready."

On facing Manchester United and the importance of back-to-back Premier League wins before the international break: 

"It's a massive month. Whenever you have an intense period of games, those results are going to define what we do this season. The last two results have put us in a really strong position and also lifted confidence levels and morale within the squad. 

"This is going to be a big week to come. We've got Manchester United first and we have to focus on that alone and learn our lessons from the cup final defeat, analyse that game, and try and improve."

On Joelinton, who is available for selection following a two-match suspension:

"It's huge (to have him available again). Joe's a huge presence, not just physically but the other lads feel and know how good a player he is. 

"To have him back amongst the squad is a huge boost for us. He's very been very consistent this season. A huge player for us, versatile and can play in a number of positions so to have him back is a big lift. 

"The other players, in his absence, have performed really well so it's great to have competition for places."

On Alexander Isak, who received nominations for the Premier League Player and Goal of the Month awards for March: 

"I think he's got himself into a really good place now. He's getting fitter with every game and, certainly confidence wise, I think he'll be in a really good place.

"I don't think his ability has ever been in question for us. He's got real talents, a real brilliant way about him off the pitch and on it, I think he's electric and a really exciting player for us.

"He compliments what we have and I think the players are excited to play with him. I'm excited about the future for him. It's just the start."