LONDON (Reuters) - Newcastle United's players have to distance themselves from speculation about the identity of their next manager and keep their focus firmly on Wednesday's FA Cup replay with Stoke City (7:45 p.m. British time).
The club's only chance of a trophy depends on them getting past the Championship (second division) side after their 0-0 draw in the original game, with the winners earning a fourth-round trip to Arsenal.
"Of course the Manchester United game was disappointing but it was always going to be difficult given everything which has happened this week," caretaker manager Nigel Pearson told the club's Web site (nufc.premium.co.uk) in the wake of Saturday's 6-0 thrashing.
"It hurt our professional pride but we have a huge game against Stoke and we have to make sure we pick the players up."
By the time Stoke arrive at St James' Park Pearson may be back in his tracksuit or gone altogether, as Newcastle owner Mike Ashley sets about putting his own man in place following last week's departure of Sam Allardyce.
Blackburn Rovers boss Mark Hughes remained the bookmakers' favourite on Monday, though Kevin Keegan also attracted short odds after saying he ruled nothing in or out in regards of a return to "a club I love."
Ashley, who bought the club at the start of the season, dreams of a return to the Keegan era of the mid-90s, when Newcastle were a hugely entertaining attacking force who twice missed out to Manchester United in the battle for the Premier League title.
Their second-half collapse at Old Trafford shows what a gulf there is between the two Uniteds these days, however, and if Newcastle are again to become serious challengers then the owner will have to give the new man time.
Stoke are relishing the replay after being unlucky not to win at the first attempt.
"It's not a chance to relax but it is a chance to enjoy the game," said midfielder Rory Delap.
Newcastle will be without Alan Smith, who is suspended after being sent off for dissent after Manchester United's sixth goal, and Nicky Butt, also banned.
The pick of Tuesday's replays is at Anfield where Liverpool face Luton Town (2000) with the winners to play either Havant and Waterlooville, the last remaining minor-league club, or Swansea City, who meet on the south coast on Wednesday.
Reading face Tottenham Hotspur on Tuesday for the right to visit Manchester United in the fourth round, while Manchester City host West Ham United in another all-Premier replay on Wednesday.
(Editing by Justin Palmer)
