Eddie Howe insists it was a tough decision choosing Callum Wilson over Alexander Isak at Wembley as Newcastle United lost the Carabao Cup against Manchester United - and the Swede's performance in the Carabao Cup final will only scramble the manager's head even more.
Isak was introduced from the bench at half-time with Newcastle trailing 2-0 and made an instant impact following his introduction. Driving at Erik ten Hag's defence, confident on the ball and linking up the play well, the summer signing impressed in the capital.
Wilson, on the other hand, struggled to get into the game despite only being replaced in stoppage time. The England international got the nod on the biggest stage of all but certainly has some serious competition for his position on Tyneside.
READ MORE: Newcastle Wembley defeat just the beginning as blunt Eddie Howe message close to being removed
“It was a really tough one," Howe said of his decision to start Wilson over Isak. "They're two immensely talented players, but I had to pick one.
"Callum on his last start scored and played very well against West Ham, so that sort of swayed my decision. But Alex today when he came on was electric, I thought he did really well and he and Callum played well together in that second half."
While the result didn't go as planned for the north east outfit, Howe insists he has no regrets over his team selection. The question is which of his two strikers does he go with at the Etihad Stadium on Saturday?
“As I sit here now, I've got no regrets with how we tried to set the team up, our intent to the game," he added. "We wanted to be really brave, as we have been all season, and try to attack the match, and have a right go at Manchester United.
“It was a strange game because it was probably low on goalmouth action for periods of it, but I felt we were really competitive. I can't fault the players' efforts, what they've given me in this game, but it's decided on big moments and the free-kick, we've not defended it well enough and they're probably the moments we'll look at with regret.
READ MORE
Newcastle Wembley defeat just the beginning as blunt Eddie Howe message close to being removed
Eddie Howe hails resilient Newcastle performance as he sends message to diehard Magpies support
Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United: Wembley hoodoo goes on as Magpies disappoint on big day
Newcastle United player ratings: Wembley woe for Magpies as star men fail to shine
Newcastle United 0-2 Manchester United highlights and reaction as trophy wait continues
