Newcastle United ended up enjoying their Saturday afternoon.

Eddie Howe’s side certainly weren’t at their best for much of the opening period against Sheffield United in the Premier League at St James’ Park but eventually ran out 5-1 winners.

The result duly relegated the Blades in the process and three points looks hugely important on a day in which Manchester United dropped two.

Indeed, Newcastle are now only a point behind Erik ten Hag’s side in pursuit of a top-six finish and still have to go to Old Trafford later this month.

It wasn’t particularly pretty at times but the victory did at least offer some sort of response to the rather dismal defeat to Crystal Palace on Wednesday evening.

Such was the size of Newcastle’s lead towards the end of the game, home fans were even able to have a laugh on Saturday.

What Newcastle fans were chanting about Matt Ritchie vs Sheffield United

While there are very rarely quiet weeks when it comes to Newcastle, one story to have emerged over recent days is even more strange than usual.

Matt Ritchie, after all, was awarded his HGV (heavy goods vehicle) licence a few days ago and went viral as a result.

That is a rather strange turn of events and one Howe admitted he was surprised about.

Ritchie came on for Anthony Gordon during the closing stages of the win and was seranded by home supporters.

According to Chris Waugh of The Athletic on X (formerly Twitter), Newcastle fans were chanting “Matt Ritchie, he drives what he wants.”

Matt Ritchie could have already delivered his parting gift to Newcastle

The veteran is out of contract this summer and his lack of game time would suggest he’s unlikely to be kept on.

While first-team football has proven elusive for him, he may have still played a part.

With the race for the top six so tight, every point matters. Without Ritchie’s goal against former club Bournemouth earlier this season, Newcastle may have stood no chance of reaching it.

That would be some parting gift…

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