My old manager Joe Harvey, a European winner for Newcastle United, used to say before a game: "Let them worry about us. If we get it right we'll be fine."

I hope Eddie Howe and his players follow that advice and "get it right" at Brentford on Sunday in an all-or-nothing game. It is not about Brentford, not about how Ivan Toney will want to sign off with a goal against his old club. It is about Newcastle.

We have witnessed some great matches this season and some wonderful football but we have also watched some utter garbage. The last two games have fallen into the last category. One point out of six had been a shocking return and has put everything at risk as far as Europe is concerned. It ought to have been six out of six.

It is up to Howe to be bold in his team selection and for the players to remember what they can do. Do they want to play in Europe? I'm sure they do but you could be excused for thinking it was not a burning priority they way they went about their work in the last week.

Yes we missed chances at Old Trafford but we scored two and we have carried a goal threat all season. What we did consistently wrong against Manchester United was defend like amateurs. All three goals conceded were an embarrassment. What was a seasoned professional like Kieran Trippier doing on the crucial opener. He went to sleep, played the guy on, and the tone of the match was set. Man U got the lift they desperately required and Newcastle continued to be generous.

Now it has all boiled down to the final hour and a half of a long and arduous season. So come on Eddie do the right thing. Pick Nick Pope. What is United's best keeper doing sitting on the bench game after game? Martin Dubravka is well short of Premier League standard and there is so much at stake you must go with your best players. What would you be keeping Pope for? There are no more matches to come. And friendlies in Australia count for nowt. Pick him and give everyone a lift.

While you're at it bring Joelinton into midfield and return Fabian Schar to the centre of defence moving Emil Krafth to right-back. Never mind his mistake Trippier looked well short in midweek. If Anthony Gordon doesn't make it that would be a massive blow. He has had a wonderful season with both his goals and assists. Despite what Alexander Isak has done he is deservedly Player of the Year.

By the way both the referee and VAR decided it was no penalty when Gordon was chopped down. Well, how was his sock ripped to shreds and his Achilles left red raw? And how is he doubtful for Sunday? It is ridiculous.

I pray that Gordon will pass a late fitness test but if he doesn't go for broke Eddie and throw in Callum Wilson alongside Isak with Harvey Barnes out wide. United's two most dangerous strikers worked well in a good tactical formation at Burnley and we desperately need a victory.

So what will happen on Fateful Sunday? What we have to do is match Manchester United's result but let us leave nothing to chance. Go out and win it. If lessons have been learned, if Newcastle go back to what they do well, then I expect them to win and make Europe. Anything less after the season everyone has had to endure would be a huge anti-climax.