Eddie Howe does not want talk of being in the top six to cloud the mind of his players and has told his squad to relax and simply play their football at this stage of the season.
United are in a European spot after 10 matches and are looking like long shots to make a return to Continental competition.
But Howe wants his players to stay cool going into a big week of fixtures, with Everton and Spurs next up. Howe said: "It's fine if people want to link us to those positions. We just have to remain level and calm.
READ MORE: Newcastle United star Nick Pope sheds light on furious Ronaldo row as Man United left reeling
"We have a group of games coming up before the World Cup and we need to keep being successful and picking up points.
"The league is very condensed. It only takes a bad run of form to knock you off your target. I am relaxed about it and I know we need to pick up points in these tough games coming up."
Looking ahead to the Everton clash and then the tough trip to Spurs, Howe said: "It's a big week for us. The two games are tough - they will give us a good marker of where we are.
"Getting points at this stage of the season is hugely important. We want to be in and around where we are now, but know the points difference to fall a long way down the league is very small."
Howe stated in the build-up to the 0-0 draw at Old Trafford that he expected league positions to change significantly once Liverpool get into their stride.
Suddenly after a 1-0 win over Man City - after Howe said that the Anfield club would "come again" - Mo Salah and co are breathing down the necks of Newcastle and are just a couple of points behind them.
Salah, who grabbed the winner against Man City, said: "Our position is not the best and it is just one game so we have to carry on. Hopefully this gives us more confidence."
Liverpool have a game in hand over Newcastle and play West Ham at the same time United face their bitter Merseyside rivals Everton. United need to beat Everton to stay in the top six.
READ NEXT
- Eddie Howe's second-half relief as Newcastle United boss identifies 'big moment'
- Newcastle end Old Trafford streak but it could have been more
- Schar rock solid, Bruno excellent: Man United 0-0 Newcastle player ratings
- Eddie Howe offers view on Callum Wilson penalty incident as Erik Ten Hag refuses
- Newcastle United legend Alan Shearer's Old Trafford verdict supporters will love
