By Gabriel Agbonlahor

31st Oct, 2023 | 5:58pm

Agbonlahor claims Newcastle fans won't accept Eddie Howe resting big names against Man United

Gabby Agbonlahor has insisted Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has no choice but to field a full-strength side in the League Cup against Man United on Wednesday (1 November) despite mounting injury problems.

The former Aston Villa striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Magpies fans are “desperate” to see their side win a first major trophy since 1955 – and so are the Saudi owners PiF.

Newcastle face Man United at Old Trafford on Wednesday with a place in the League Cup quarter-final on the line.

Man City, Tottenham and Aston Villa are among the sides already eliminated from the competition at the third-round stage.

Howe’s side are currently struggling with several key injuries – with Alexander Isak, Sven Botman, Harvey Barnes, Jacob Murphy and Elliot Anderson all out.

Sandro Tonali will also miss the game after being handed a 10-month football ban for betting offences.

The clash with Man United is a repeat of last season’s final, which the Red Devils won 2-0 at Wembley in February.

Agbonlahor told Football Insider’s Ewan Kingsbury: “I think Howe has to go full strength.

“He knows what these fans want, what the Saudi owners want. They all want to see a trophy – they’re desperate.

“They won’t accept him resting anybody, even with the injuries he has in the squad.

“I think it’s going to be a really entertaining game, obviously with it being a repeat of last season’s final.

“Both teams will go strong because both sides are under pressure.

“Man United’s form has been really bad, and Newcastle are desperate to win silverware.

“He hasn’t got any choice but to play his strongest side, there’s no way anyone will allow it”.

In other news, door opens for Newcastle to agree January loan deal.