Manchester United will return to Premier League action when they host a jubilant Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United will try to make it four wins in a row when they face Newcastle United at Old Trafford. The Magpies have been in ravishing form and will provide a stern test for Erik ten Hag’s men, who are in dire need of a massive victory.
One heavy defeat at the hands of Manchester City has eclipsed their previous good form in the Premier League. But Manchester United returned to winning ways against Everton with a solid showing to get back on track.
Manchester United’s struggles against Omonia Nicosia were pretty evident as they had to wait till the injury minute to find out the winner. And they cannot repeat that kind of display against Newcastle, who have already demonstrated their firepower in the last couple of matches.
Since Eddie Howe was given charge, Newcastle have had a brilliant few months. After their initial flirtations with the relegation zone, they turned it around in style. And had they been more clinical, the Magpies would have breached the top eight easily last season.
This season, goals have flown better, with Newcastle finding the back of the net on ten occasions in the last three games. With Manchester United’s defence still adapting to ten Hag’s methods, this could be the best chance for Howe to inflict defeat on the Red Devils.
Despite three losses, there have been plenty of positives for the new Manchester United manager. And Cristiano Ronaldo’s first goal in the Premier League will be a relief for many. The Portuguese superstar has been in and out of the team, but with Anthony Martial struggling with injuries, the 37-year-old might get another chance to justify his presence on the pitch.
With Manchester United about to enter the most difficult phase of its campaign, ten Hag might have to use all the resources under his sleeve to encounter the difficulties that come across. Knowing a win in this match could virtually set the tone for a top-four battle, both the teams will fancy three points as it stands.
Team News & Tactics
Manchester United
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Seven of our last nine goals have come from substitutes 💪#MUFC pic.twitter.com/IbANGaMgKG
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) October 15, 2022
Anthony Martial might make it in time for the Newcastle United game as he battles to recover from a hip injury. Erik ten Hag has confirmed Harry Maguire will not be available for a few more days, but the Manchester United manager would be expecting to get him fit prior to the busy schedule.
Scott McTominay is suspended after accumulating five bookings in the Premier League. Meanwhile, Martin Dubravka is ineligible to face his parent club. And finally, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Axel Tuanzebe, Brandon Williams and Donny van de Beek are still on the sidelines with injuries.
David de Gea will make his 500th appearance between the sticks and will aspire to register another clean sheet to make this event memorable. Raphael Varane will return to partner Lisandro Martinez at the heart of the Manchester United defence.
Luke Shaw should start ahead of Tyrell Malacia in the left-back position. And the 27-year-old will again appear against Newcastle United. Diogo Dalot has been caught out a number of times, and he needs to sharpen his defensive skills as Allan Saint-Maximin could be deadly on their day.
Casemiro has acclimatised to the nature of the Premier League pretty well, and he will act as an extra layer of the guard in front of the backline. Christian Eriksen’s inclusion has proved to be very crucial, and he will maintain his position in the middle of the pitch.
Marcus Rashford had a goal ruled out against Everton, but the English forward has been pretty encouraging with his attacking display. And Rashford will try to interchange his positions with Antony on the flanks. Bruno Fernandes will start in the no. 10 position, while Cristiano Ronaldo will spearhead the Manchester United attack against Newcastle.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): de Gea; Dalot, Varane, Martinez, Shaw; Eriksen, Casemiro; Antony, Bruno Fernandes, Rashford; Ronaldo
Newcastle United
Eddie Howe came unscathed during their 5-1 rout of Brentford, and it is expected he could name the same starting eleven. Alexander Isak will miss this match, while Karl Darlow, Jonjo Shelvey, Matt Ritchie and Emil Krafth are dealing with various injury issues.
Nick Pope has done well in his first season with Newcastle United, and he will be in charge of the goal. Sven Botman and Fabian Schar will form the central defensive partnership, while Kieran Trippier and Dan Burn will be positioned to protect the right and left flank, respectively.
Bruno Guimaraes has been in complete control of the midfield and will look to dictate the tempo from the deepest midfield position. Sean Longstaff and Joe Willock will complete the midfield unit against Manchester United.
The only change could come in the way of Jacob Murphy making the way for Allan Saint-Maximin on the left flank. Miguel Almiron will take his chances from the right channel, and Callum Wilson will lead the line.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Schar, Botman, Burn; Longstaff, Bruno Guimaraes, Willock; Almiron, Wilson, Saint-Maximin
Key Stats
- Manchester United have lost just one of their last 37 home league games against Newcastle United (W27 D9), a 1-0 defeat in December 2013 under David Moyes.
- Newcastle have conceded more Premier League goals against Manchester United than they have against any other opponent (113). Only against Arsenal (33) have they lost more often in the competition than vs the Red Devils (32).
- Manchester United have won five of their last six Premier League games (L1), as many as they had in their previous 18. At home, they have lost just one of their last 12 in the Premier League (W7 D4) and are looking to pick up three consecutive wins at Old Trafford for the first time since December last season.
- Newcastle have won their last two Premier League games, scoring more goals in these matches (9) than they did in their first seven this season (8). Having beaten Fulham 4-1 and Brentford 5-1, the Magpies are looking to score 4+ goals in three consecutive league games for the first time since October 1961.
- Marcus Rashford has been involved in seven goals in his eight Premier League appearances against Newcastle United (4 goals, 3 assists). Only against Arsenal (8) has he been involved in more.
Player to Watch
Antony
The Brazilian international has scored three goals in his first three Premier League matches, and he will be in prime position to make it four in a four. Antony has shown flashes of brilliance on the right wing, while he often changes his position to offer a new dimension to the attack. He will be the key player to unlock the Newcastle defence on Sunday.
Prediction
Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle United
Given the current run of form, Newcastle United will pose enough threat to derail the hosts. But Manchester United have proven they can withstand the opponent with their strong fierce reaction. The return of Cristiano Ronaldo will be an added inspiration as the 37-year-old is always a danger in the attacking third. And The Hard Tackle predicts a hard-fought 2-1 win for the Red Devils.