Newcastle United have reportedly decided how to handle the growing scrutiny of manager Eddie Howe.

The Englishman is closing in on 200 matches in charge of the Magpies since his arrival at St James’ Park in November 2021.

However, Sunday’s drab performance during the 1-0 defeat at fierce rivals Sunderland in the Premier League has led to further criticism of the 48-year-old.

Although losing to the Black Cats represented Newcastle’s first top-flight defeat in five games, they now sit in 12th position in the Premier League table.

A four-point gap to fifth place is arguably helping keep Howe in a job amid some suggestions that he has taken the club as far as he can.

Newcastle chiefs take Howe stance

Nevertheless, as per Chronicle Live, the club’s owners will not be influenced by any online criticism of Howe.

The report suggests that Howe and his staff will be provided with time to overcome their issues on the pitch.

Meanwhile, it is claimed that the progress that has been made in the Champions League and EFL Cup could help instigate an upturn in fortunes.

On Wednesday night, Newcastle play host to Fulham in the EFL Cup quarter-finals as they bid to defend the trophy that they won in March.

Newcastle also sit in 12th place in the Champions League standings, two points adrift of the top eight with two games to play and a four-point cushion over 24th spot.

Will Howe get PIF patience?

Earlier this month, Newcastle’s new chief executive claimed that the club are aiming to become the best club in the world by 2030.

With Newcastle in the bottom half of the Premier League standings, such aspirations will be mocked the longer that they stay in that area of the top flight.

The next four matches could prove pivotal for Howe and Newcastle. At a time when they are six points behind fourth-placed Chelsea, Newcastle play the Blues, Manchester United and Crystal Palace – all of whom are between fourth and eighth – across their next quartet of games.

If Newcastle come out favourably from that period, the pressure on Howe will relent, but failure to collect at least six points from the next 12 will ensure that question marks remain.