The Hard Tackle lists three players who can positively impact the proceedings when Newcastle United and Manchester United clash.
Gameweek 14 of the 2023/24 Premier League season begins on Saturday, which should be action-packed. And the proceedings on the day will end at St. James’ Park, where Newcastle United and Manchester United will lock horns.
Newcastle United and Manchester United have blown hot and cold thus far this season, giving their fans cause for concern. Both clubs have suffered from roster issues since the start of their respective campaigns, with their form tumbling as a result.
Neither Newcastle United nor Manchester United have succeeded in stringing together a run of results that can help them fortify their positions on the table. So, Saturday’s game is an opportunity to strike a blow to one of their rivals while inching closer to the top-four positions.
The game will thus have no margin of error, meaning individual performances can tip the scales on Saturday. With that in mind, The Hard Tackle picks three players who can singlehandedly influence the tie at St. James’ Park this weekend.
Bruno Fernandes
The Manchester United captain invariably finds himself on these features every time it stars Manchester United. Considering his incredible output, it is hardly surprising that Bruno Fernandes kick-starts our list.
The Portuguese international is a creative genius who produces a truckload of chances in every game. Unfortunately for him, his teammates do not always respond in kind, with their finishing prowess often leaving a lot to be desired.
Nonetheless, how Bruno Fernandes performs on Saturday will hold the key for Manchester United against Newcastle United. Apart from creating goalscoring opportunities for his teammates, he will also take his chances with long-range efforts. And a Bruno Fernandes masterclass has the ability to help the visitors clinch a much-needed victory.
Alexander Isak
Our list continues with a Newcastle United player, one whose performances have been top-notch since he joined the club. We are talking about Alexander Isak, who has an impeccable record for the Tyneside outfit.
The 24-year-old has struggled with fitness issues in the last 18 months, with multiple injuries hampering his progress at St. James’ Park. But Isak, who has found the back of the net seven times in the Premier League, has a scoring rate of a goal every 83 minutes in the top flight this term.
That puts him in the elite company of Erling Haaland and Callum Wilson as the players with the best scoring rate in the Premier League this season. Meanwhile, Isak’s performances have not gone unnoticed, with the two biggest clubs in the world — Real Madrid and Barcelona — setting their sights on him.
As for matters on the pitch, Alexander Isak’s presence in and around the box will make him a menace for the Manchester United defenders, with the Newcastle United striker possessing the ability to be direct and even play as a fox in the box. So, the Swede can run riot if he rises to the occasion this weekend.
Alejandro Garnacho
Alejandro Garnacho’s last 2 games:
⚽ vs. Everton
⚽ vs. GalatasarayExcellent finish. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/BkQg8vqmEp
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) November 29, 2023
We are back to Manchester United to round off the list, with the attack being the running theme throughout the feature. We are talking about Alejandro Garnacho, who has enjoyed the best week of his career thus far.
The Argentine international scored what will likely end the campaign as the “Goal of the Season” when he found the back of the net with a bicycle kick against Everton. He then followed that up with a superb finish against Galatasaray to set the ball rolling for Manchester United before they squandered a two-strike lead.
Garnacho can make it three in a row this weekend to culminate a memorable week for him. His directness in the final third makes him a constant threat to the Newcastle United defence, especially if Kieran Trippier leaves open spaces behind him.
The onus is on Garnacho to capitalise on such opportunities and give Newcastle United’s right-hand side nightmares throughout the game. If he succeeds, there is no reason why Manchester United cannot go back home from Newcastle United with three points that can define their campaign.
