Keen for United to make a mark

EDDIE Howe has insisted Newcastle are not along for the ride as they embark upon a new Champions League campaign against Barcelona having "failed" two seasons ago.

- By DAMIAN SPELLMAN

The Magpies announced their return to the biggest European stage in October 2023 when they took Paris St Germain apart at St James' Park with a 4-1 victory, which gave them every chance of qualifying for the knockout stage.

Ultimately they did not make it out of the group and that is very much in head coach Howe's mind as he prepares for a similarly testing fixture in this season's opener against Hansi Flick's men this evening.

He said: "There were a lot of unknowns last time. The focus was always on trying to get through the group stage, but there was a feeling we were experiencing something new.

"We enjoyed it, but ultimately we failed, so this time the resolve is stronger to try and progress, not just to enjoy the experience, but to try to make it a meaningful one.