Manchester United head to the North East for Wednesday evening’s trip to St. James Park to take on Newcastle United looking to put a firm grip on our third place position in the Premier League table. The Magpies are hoping to see an upturn in league form having seen a run of five defeats in the last six top-flight games.
Michael Carrick’s impressive start to his tenure has seen United achieve 19 points from a possible 21 that will see his chances of being named permanent manager at the end of the season greatly increased. Four of those wins have come by a one goal margin. There are plenty of positives to take with the players showing tenacity and togetherness as a team to see them through to success during Carrick’s short time in charge of the squad.
The Reds came from behind on Sunday to secure a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, which had been helped by the opposition being down to 10 men. It was Bruno Fernandes who got United back into the game from the penalty with his seventh goal in the league before turning provider for Benjamin Sesko, whose header gave us all three points at Old Trafford. It was the Slovenian’s seventh goal from his last eight appearances in all competitions.
We only have the sixth-best away record in the Premier League but it may have gone unnoticed but we are currently on a five game unbeaten run away from home (W2, D3). It will not be lost on anyone that United have not won at St. James Park since October 2020 and suffered three defeats in the last three visits to Tyneside.
Manchester United Team News
For United, Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are hoping to be fit for the trip to St. James Park on Wednesday evening after both were withdrawn during Sunday’s game against Crystal Palace due to a knock to the foot and illness for the latter. Noussair Mazaroui is ready to replace Shaw if he is not available. Michael Carrick confirmed that Lisandro Martinez will not be featuring against the Magpies with Ayden Heaven seen as the potential backup for Maguire. Mason Mount continues his recovery as he makes his way back to fitness. Patrick Dorgu is a long-term absentee whilst Matthijs De Ligt has not pulled on the red shirt since the win away at Crystal Palace back in November.
Manchester United Predicted Lineup
Lammens;
Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui;
Casemiro, Mainoo;
Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha;
Sesko.
Opposition Preview
Newcastle United have hardly been flying at home this season evident by their form as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Everton on Saturday. They have lost three consecutive Premier League games at St. James Park conceding eight goals in the process to Aston Villa, Brentford and the Toffees respectively. Currently sitting 13th in the table and are seven points behind seven-placed Brentford with only 10 league games remaining left in the season.
The Magpies have a double header against Barcelona in the Champions League to look forward to later in the month. However, failure to secure European football next season from a top-seven position in the league may see a change in the dugout. There are some positives that Newcastle fans can take from the fact that they have had four wins in the last six across all competitions. Two of those wins came against Qarabag FK, with the others being against Aston Villa who were 10 men and out of sorts Tottenham Hotspur.
Newcastle United Team News
Eddie Howe is likely to make changes to his starting eleven for the visit of Manchester United, with a recall for defender Sven Botman in place of Dan Burn. Jacob Ramsay was substituted at half-time during the game against Everton due to illness, but has taken part in training since and should be available for selection. Whilst Nick Woltemade missed training through illness and is a doubt. If he is fit, Howe has to decide whether to move him from the deeper role to spearhead the attack. Harvey Barnes could feature on the right wing. However, Tino Livramento, Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes miss the game through injury.
Form Guide
Manchester United Premier League form: WWDWW
Newcastle United Premier League form: LLWLL
Newcastle United form (all competitions): WWLWL
Prediction
Whilst our record at St. James Park has not been great in recent times, United have looked a much better side since Michael Carrick took the helm. It could be the case that this game is decided by a one goal margin on the night.
Newcastle United 1-2 Manchester United
