SKIPPER Bruno Guimaraes dedicated Newcastle’s rout of Manchester United to stricken Eddie Howe.
The boss watched the game from a hospital bed as his team surged up to fourth in their quest for a place.
, who scored in the thumping, said: “When we went to the pitch we said, ‘We’ll play for him’.
“He’s been unbelievable for us. We missed him on the training ground.
“Hopefully it gave him happiness and he’s back for the next game. It’s been a tough week for him.”;
said: “He’s on the road to recovery, hopefully. He’s so influential throughout the week.
“We knew that we had a job to do without him. We said before the game we had to put a smile on his face.”;
, 47, was admitted to hospital on Friday so his No 2, Jason Tindall, took charge against on Sunday.
The top five places guarantee a Champions League place this term and Toon started strongly.
s opener was levelled by to make it 1-1 at half-time.
But Toon blew away after the break, with Barnes’ two goals and Guimaraes’ strike securing a first league double over United for 94 YEARS.
Tindall said: “I had a message from Eddie congratulating the team and the performance.
“He was able to watch the game and I’m sure that performance will put a smile on his face.
“I’m super proud of the players. But I am not surprised because we have a fantastic group and some great leaders.
“When the manager isn’t there you have to step up individually and collectively, and we did that. I’m really proud.”;
Asked whether Howe would be back for Wednesday’s home clash with , Tindall said: “Not sure.
“He’ll be in good spirits and the sooner the manager is back, the better for everyone.”;
Tindall, 47, who was a former team-mate as a player and then Howe’s assistant at , added: “He was hugely missed. Certainly for me.
“It’s only the second time in 17 years that we’ve not been side by side and I did miss him.
“You miss your leader when he’s not there. But it’s testament to everybody to be able to step into them big shoes to fill.
“He’s one of the best managers around and credit to everybody to be able to go out and deliver that performance.
“We’ve had a good week, a really positive result away at Leicester on Monday, too.
“We know our expectations and our goals, and what we want to try to achieve.
“Every game is so important especially when you come into the money end of the season as they say, so it’s important we deliver a performance.”;
