Confidence is a hell of a drug – Nigel Reo-Coker | OneFootball

Clinton Morrison and Nigel Reo-Coker have been talking after Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 1 on Sunday.

The two former Premier League players couldn’t be more impressed by Newcastle.

Nigel Reo-Coker declaring; “Some people say ‘confidence is a hell of a drug’ and that is what Newcastle have right now.”

United have now won five matches (all competitions) in a row, with 18 victories in their last 23 games (all competitions).

Clinton Morrison and Nigel Reo-Coker talking on the BBC Radio 5 Live Football Daily podcast, following Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 1:

Nigel Reo-Coker:

“Some people say ‘confidence is a hell of a drug’ and that is what Newcastle have right now.

“Since winning the cup, I felt like they were going to kick on to another level and that is what we are seeing performance wise.

“They have Alexander Isak, one of the hottest strikers in the world right now, but they have a core strength in their midfield.

“You struggle to find a better balanced midfield than Bruno Guimaraes, Sandro Tonali and Joelinton when you combine all of their talents and attributes. They can win the ball, control the game, score and be physical, so they have everything.

“You can tell they are confident as a team and as a group of individuals.”

Clinton Morrison:

“Newcastle United have been relentless and they have done it without key players as well.

“They might have had no Anthony Gordon, but Harvey Barnes has stepped up in his absence and that is because everyone in the squad knows what they are doing.

“Jacob Murphy has been a revelation and even Isak, who has started to look tired, is still delivering.

“It’s a big result for them against Manchester United and they definitely did play for their manager Eddie Howe, who we know is in hospital, and they are flying.

“Over the years, Man U against Newcastle has been a really tight game and I know Man U are not in good form, but Newcastle blew them away.

“Most importantly, they [Newcastle United] are in a great position to finish in a Champions League spot this season.”

Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 1 – Sunday 13 April 2025 4.30pm

Goals:

Newcastle United:

Tonali 24, Barnes 49,64, Bruno 77

Garnacho 37

(In brackets the half-time stats)

Possession was Newcastle 48% (47%) Man U 52% (51%)

Total shots were Newcastle 12 (7) Man U 9 (4)

Shots on target were Newcastle 6 (2) Man U 5 (3)

Corners were Newcastle 7 (5) Man U 2 (1)

Touches in the box Newcastle 37 (18) Man U 12 (7)

Newcastle United team v Manchester United:

Pope, Trippier (Krafth 78), Schar, Burn, Livramento, Joelinton (Longstaff 85), Tonali, Bruno (Miley 85), Barnes, Isak (Wilson 78), Murphy (Gordon 78)

Unused subs:

Dubravka, Targett, Osula, Neave

(Newcastle United 4 Manchester United 1 – Match ratings and comments on all the NUFC players – Read HERE)