Merino revels in first St. James' start

On-loan Borussia Dortmund midfielder Merino was influential alongside Isaac Hayden in the middle of the park, as the Magpies brushed aside the Hammers to pick up their first three points of the campaign courtesy of strikes from Joselu, Ciaran Clark and Aleksandar Mitrović.

And afterwards, the 21-year-old told nufc.co.uk he relished playing in front of the United faithful as he continues to impress in central midfield.

“These three points are really, really important. We needed it. We know we are doing good work, and we know we are putting a lot of work in,” said Merino. “The main thing is that we are together, we fight, and we’re all pulling in the same direction. The points will come if we do the right things.

“It was a great match. It is impossible not to enjoy it with this crowd singing and supporting you all the time, and with these teammates – it is like a family. I enjoyed the game, and of course you enjoy it more if you win, but I’m enjoying being able to play, getting minutes, and that has a lot of value for me. I’m very happy.

“It’s my third game with the team, and I’m feeling better physically. I think I’m getting the rhythm of the game, of the Premier League. I have a lot of things to improve but I am, little by little, and I’m really happy to finish this game with strength, and with three points for us.

“I’m getting used to it little by little. It’s hard to get the rhythm, because last year I did not play a lot. I had a small pre-season, but now I’m getting fit and I think in a few weeks I will be 100 per cent, and I’ll be better.”

The victory caps an excellent week for Merino, who received a call-up to the Spain Under-21 squad on Friday, ahead of their upcoming fixtures against Italy and Estonia.

“It’s a great feeling to be in the national team and it’s always a good feeling to play at this club, and if you can do both things, it’s perfect,” he said.

“Now I’m looking forward to going away with the national team, to enjoy that with my teammates – it’s another experience for me and a chance to keep improving.

“I think these international games will be good for me, because I’ve only played three or four games at the moment, and I need more minutes to get fit. It would be good to play all these games, if I can play, as it’s always good, and I’ll be at a good physical level.”