Credit: Imago

Jack Dawson

Sat 27 December 2025 12:55, UK

Newcastle United were unable to return to winning ways on Boxing Day as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to Man United.

It was yet another disappointing result for the Magpies, with the side now only picking up one win in their last five matches.

While many Newcastle fans believe that they should have had a penalty against Man United, in the end, the visitors simply did not do enough to earn a point.

With Eddie Howe already under pressure at St. James’ Park, the defeat will be the last thing the Englishman needs.

However, he has not helped himself with his praise of Anthony Gordon in his post-match press conference.

Newcastle fans fume with Eddie Howe’s praise of Anthony Gordon

Against Man United, few Newcastle stars played well, with Lewis Hall being one of the few standouts.

One player who certainly underperformed was Gordon, who did little in attack to get the visitors back in the game.

Yet, one man who saw this differently was Howe, who was quick to praise the winger’s performance after the game.

He told Sky Sports on 26 December: “Anthony Gordon was our brightest player in attack. 

He played well, was direct and full of running. Yes the goal wasn’t there.

“We need more creation, goalmouth action and to be more clinical.”

As a result, many Newcastle fans took to X to criticise this baffling assessment.

It’s worrying that Howe says Anthony Gordon was one of our better players tonight. Bro gives up the second he makes a mistake. #NUFC

— Jimmy Angel MCCT 🌍 (@jimmyangel3) December 27, 2025

Gordon should be the first name on the transfer list he is woeful and is more worried about how his hairband looks than playing well #NUFC

— The Irish Geordie (@IrishGeordie1) December 27, 2025

Howe out now. I bet he thinks Gordon has a chance of winning the Ballon D’or

— HOWE OUT (@BrianPinas9) December 27, 2025

Still so annoyed at that game yesterday. They had 4-5 players missing, had half a dozen teenagers on the pitch & #nufc still didn’t threaten. Gordon is an absolute waste of space. If Murphy isn’t crossing he offers nothing, were going backwards I’m sorry to say.

— DanJr1987 (@dan_jr1987) December 27, 2025

Many fans were also quick to point out that Hall made more contributions in attack compared to Gordon.

If Howe starts Gordon again, then he has to go. I’m tired of defending Howe. Steve Bruce had more away wins in the same amount of days(236). Steve Bruce! Howe isn’t that guy anymore. Doesn’t have wat it takes, which sux. But it’s reality, doesn’t have a plan A or a plan B. #nufc

— Believer (@0800TSEK) December 27, 2025

Eddie Howe literally just said he thought Gordon was our best attacking player?! wtf?!?
Our left back earning 100k a week less was 100 times a better attacking player than heartless Gordon #nufc

— Wil Anderson (@BravePB23) December 26, 2025

The fact that Howe came out with his usual post match reaction “there was some good bits” and saying Gordon was our best attacker.

Lewis Hall was our best attacker and he is the LB #NUFC

— Andy (@andyb2630) December 27, 2025

How bad was Gordon against Man United?

While Gordon did not have a good game against Man United, he was not terrible.

According to Fotmob on 27 December, the winger had plenty of good stats to go with the bad.

The England international created the most chances in the game at three, while also managing two shots.

However, he failed to hit the target at any point, and only 20 per cent of his crosses found a Newcastle player.

Therefore, Gordon is no doubt on thin ice, and Howe is asking for trouble by praising Gordon for this subpar display.

Hopefully, the winger is able to contribute with a goal or an assist next game when Newcastle take on Burnley on 30 December.