Credit: Imago

Evan Lloyd

Thu 5 March 2026 20:00, UK

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Newcastle United should be doing everything they can to tie Kieran Trippier down to a new contract after his performance against Manchester United.

The Magpies rode out 2-1 winners at St James’ Park on Wednesday through Will Osula’s stunning goal, which saw Eddie Howe’s team win despite having played with 10 men for more than 45 minutes.

Jacob Ramsey was sent off for two bookable offences in the first half, with Anthony Gordon’s penalty and Casemiro’s equaliser completing a chaotic first 45.

Trippier is set to leave at the end of his contract this summer, with an agreement on an extension not yet found.

Newcastle fans have criticised Trippier after matches this season, but Wednesday was a showcase of what the right-back can still do.

Kieran Trippier’s stunning stats vs Man United

Trippier will undoubtedly go down in Newcastle history if he is to leave this summer, considering the part he has played in the club’s revival.

The former England international was signed from Atletico Madrid in 2022, becoming Eddie Howe’s first signing, and the first under the new Saudi Arabian owners.

In the years since, Trippier has led the side up the table, featuring from the start and assisting as Newcastle won their first major trophy in 70 years when they won the Carabao Cup last season.

Injuries and age have caught up with the full-back, but he remains a force, and he showed it on Wednesday.

Trippier assisted Osula’s goal, made 10 passes into the final third, and won two free-kicks.

The 35-year-old also made four tackles, an astonishing 10 clearances, two interceptions, three recoveries, and won an outstanding 10 duels.

While his future remains up in the air, that is the type of performance that will convince decision-makers to throw everything into convincing him to stay.

Shaka Hislop waxes lyrical about Trippier

There are several reasons why Newcastle should be attempting to extend Trippier’s stay at St James’ Park, although the situation may well be out of their hands.

The right-back is coming to the end of his career, and it is unclear whether he is eyeing a final move before hanging up his boots.

“Kieran Trippier, a player who is coming under a lot of criticism over the last couple of seasons,” former Newcastle goalkeeper Shaka Hislop told ESPN on Wednesday.

“You saw this in the last game against Everton, when [Nick] Pope made that glaring mistake – he was the first to come over and pat him on the back and try to lift him.

“I thought he was outstanding today. And from a leadership perspective, Kieran Trippier, back end of his career, just continues to be a leader in the back that I think Newcastle have needed, if not relied on and I think there’s such value to that.

“I’m a little biased in that I love Kieran Tripper for all that he stands for as a player, and it’s great to see him play this kind of a role in this kind of game on this day against this opponent so credit to him.”