Eddie Howe pulls out of Newcastle press conference after falling ill before Man Utd clash

was forced to skip his press conference on Friday ahead of Newcastle's upcoming game against Manchester United. He was scheduled to speak at the club's media centre with the Magpies gearing up to host the Red Devils at St James' Park this weekend. However, a last-minute change of plans saw assistant manager Jason Tindall tasked with replacing the 47-year-old.

Newcastle issued a short statement on Friday morning, which read: "Due to illness, please note that Jason Tindall will take this morning's pre-match press conference as a replacement for Eddie Howe."

Tindall offered an update on Howe's condition while speaking to the media, saying: "He's been really poorly the last couple of days in bed. We've been in daily contact. It's not affected any of our preparations up until now but we have still got a couple of days and I'm sure he will be fine for the weekend."

Tindall previously stepped in for Howe at a press conference before 's home fixture against Luton Town last season. On that occasion, Howe took training on the Friday and was in the dugout the following day as the two sides played out a 4-4 draw.

's assistant coach has grabbed the headlines in recent years due to his antics on the touchline. He has been involved in high-profile clashes with the likes of and Unai Emery, but insisted last week that he was not planning to change.

"I respect all managers, I know how tough the job is," said Tindall. " is one of the best managers around and I have a huge amount of respect for him.

"What happens on the touchline, nothing is personal, if I fall out with anyone, it's just in the heat of battle. I'm defending my corner and my corner is .

"How I do that, maybe sometimes it crosses the line with what I say, but it's not meant to be disrespectful. Sometimes I upset people and if it upsets people, I can't do anything about that.

"My only thought process is United and I will do anything to win. I'm there for Eddie and the players, that is it. That's all that matters."

will be hoping for all three points against the Red Devils this weekend as they look to consolidate their place in the Premier League's top five. They are one point ahead of sixth-placed and have the added benefit of a game in hand.

A fifth-placed finish would guarantee Champions League qualification, with the Premier League having been given an extra place by UEFA. 's midweek victory over Real Madrid confirmed that England will claim a top-two spot in the club coefficient rankings.

It means will play in Europe's most prestigious competition if they maintain their league position between now and the end of the season. They are already guaranteed at least a Conference League place following their Carabao Cup triumph last month.

The Magpies will head into their game against as the favourites to win, having beaten Ruben Amorim's side in the reverse fixture. Goals from Alexander Isak and Joelinton helped to a routine victory at Old Trafford in December.