Alexander Isak concern gives Eddie Howe food for thought ahead of crunch Manchester United clash

Alexander Isak's substitution surprised both fans and the player himself when his number came up with the game still in the balance against Brighton & Hove Albion.

It was the end of a run of three goals in his last two games as Eddie Howe admitted the Newcastle United star was not fully up to speed. Coupled with an injury concern for Callum Wilson, Howe will hope the club's injury curse can be fended off for another two matches at least.

Isak's haul of 24 goals this season has been one of the major highlights for Newcastle fans who are delighted to see the star justifying his £63million price tag. But Howe knows that his squad can't rely on just one man all of the time.

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Newcastle boss Howe told Chronicle Live: "Alex just wasn't feeling quite 100 per cent and you notice when a player of his calibre isn't quite where he needs to be.

"But he's led the line, he's carried the burden physically superbly for a number of weeks, his performances have been outstanding. And I thought he played well at times (v Brighton), but he just wasn't, as I say, feeling 100 per cent."

The likes of Bruno Guimaraes, Sean Longstaff and Wilson have stepped up in the goal stakes in the run-in. But nobody could find the winning moment on Saturday against the Seagulls, and if Isak and Wilson are struggling at Old Trafford, who will be the hero?

Howe said: "I think other people have stepped up, the attacking players, I don't think you can question the contribution, really, from the group. Another goal for Sean Longstaff, it shows how important goals are from midfield, he's got a good number this season, so I've got no issue with that."

Longstaff still has an outside shot of making it to double figures for the season alongside Isak (24), Anthony Gordon (11) and Wilson (10).