Alan Shearer has had his say on a ‘strange’ decision Eddie Howe made at Newcastle United.
The Magpies suffered yet another away defeat on Wednesday, this time at Old Trafford. Newcastle were beaten 3-2 by Manchester United, and their hopes of qualifying for Europe now hang in the balance.
Shearer was surprised by one of Howe’s decisions in that game.
Alan Shearer reacts to Eddie Howe’s ‘strange’ Nick Pope decision
Newcastle United have had a difficult season.
The Magpies finished fourth and qualified for the Champions League in the 2022/23 campaign. That will definitely not happen this time around.
One of the biggest reasons why Newcastle haven’t been as good this season is because of injuries. They have had to make plenty of changes to their side this term.
Joelinton has been a huge miss for Newcastle since his injury, as has Nick Pope in goal.
The Englishman suffered a serious shoulder injury in December, and that kept him out of the squad for about five months.
Pope returned to the squad for the game against Burnley in the first week of May and he has been an unused substitute since.
Alan Shearer appears to have expected Pope to start against Manchester United on Wednesday, but Eddie Howe continued with Martin Dubravka in goal.
That decision has been branded as ‘strange’ by Shearer, who felt that Dubravka was at fault for Rasmus Hojlund’s goal against the Magpies.
Reacting to Newcastle United’s poor away form, Shearer said on The Rest is Football podcast: “I think they have had to chop and change with so many injuries and having their goalkeeper out.
“Although, I thought it was a strange decision not playing Nick Pope last night (Wednesday). he’s obviously had a serious injury and he has been out for a while. He has been on the bench for the last couple of games, but…
“Anyway, I thought the keeper (Dubravka) should’ve saved the third goal that went in from Hojlund I think it was.”
READ MORE: Jeff Stelling thinks Newcastle could make bold Nick Pope decision this summer
Newcastle step up interest in another goalkeeper
Newcastle United are expected to be on the market for a new goalkeeper this summer.
Nick Pope is brilliant when he’s fit. He proved his class for the Toon in the 2023/24 campaign, but his unavailability has been an issue for the Reds.
TBR Football exclusively revealed that Newcastle United are ready to step up their interest in Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.
The 25-year-old has fallen behind David Raya in the pecking order at the Emirates, and it is likely that he will leave the club this summer.
It will be interesting to see what will happen to Pope if Ramsdale makes the move to St James’ Park before the start of the 2024/25 season.