Newcastle boss Eddie Howe does not feel like his team is being 'hunted' in the race to seal a top-four spot with the likes of Manchester United and Liverpool.
The race to confirm which sides will be in the Champions League next season looks set to go down to the wire as the Premier League approaches its climax. United sit fourth as things stand with the Magpies ahead of Erik ten Hag's side on goal difference.
United and third-placed Newcastle both have three top-flight games left to play this season. Newcastle have back-to-back home games coming up against Brighton and Leicester City, before ending the campaign on the road to Chelsea.
READ MORE: Ten Hag wants United to sign a world-class striker and midfielder
United meanwhile travel to Bournemouth this weekend, before making the trip to London to take on Chelsea. United end the top flight season at home to Fulham at Old Trafford.
Both sides are in the top four as things stand, but Liverpool in fifth are just a point behind the two teams, although they have played a game more than both United and Newcastle.
And speaking ahead of tomorrow's clash against Brighton, Howe vowed that he does not feel like his side is being hunted in the quest to seal Champions League qualification. He wants his players to just be the best they can as they seek to get over the line.
He said: "I don't feel like we're being hunted. I don't feel that emotion. It's us against ourselves, really. That's how I see it. It's us trying to be the best we can be. I've not focused on any other team all season.
"I knew Liverpool were never far away because they are a top team and they are capable of going on runs of wins. They are very similar to Manchester City where they can win a group of games without blinking.
"We can't look at it or compare ourselves to Liverpool. Whenever you want something really badly, the hardest bit is to actually finally get there. I can't give you any more than that. There's no science behind it. Whenever you want something in life, and it's a big achievement, it's not easy to do."
United overcame Newcastle in this season's Carabao Cup final and Howe conceded that occasion took their focus away from the Premier League for a time, but now all attention is solely concentrated on one goal.
He said: "I think when you're in the middle of a long league campaign, you sort of accept that that's there. The difficulty with the cup final was it was an added focus together with the league.
"I think that took away our focus from the league for a period of time, but we just have one objective and that's what we're focused on now. The players have been very calm, I haven't seen anyone over emotional or over reactive in any situation. I'm confident that we'll handle the occasion mentally."
Get your hands on our 48-page souvenir United v City FA Cup final print supplement by clicking here.
READ MORE:
