Manchester United will look to keep their perfect start to the season in tact as they face a Newcastle side still coming to terms with the demands of new manager Steve McLaren.
Old Trafford once held fond memories for McLaren as he worked as an assistant to Sir Alex Ferguson during one of United’s most successful ever eras. But his Newcastle side will have their work cut out to provide a happy homecoming for their new manager.
Despite registering two wins to open the season, United have struggled at times to generate avenues to goal and Wayne Rooney’s form continues to be cause for concern. In Memphis Depay, Adnan Januzaj and Juan Mata they have one of the most talented attacking midfield combinations in the division. Memphis’ man-of-the-match display midweek against Club Brugge gave the best indication yet that the star summer arrival could be the real deal.
Team News
The Red Devils may opt for an unchanged lineup from the side that comfortably beat Club Brugge midweek. They will once again be without Marouane Fellaini, as the Belgian sits out the final game of his three-game suspension carried over from last season.
Phil Jones is still absent with a calf complaint and Sergio Romero should once again be preferred in goal to the seemingly Madrid-bound, David De Gea. Bastian Schweinsteiger could be in line for his first start for United as he works towards full fitness but will probably be introduced from the bench once more.
Possible XI: (4-2-3-1) Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Schneiderlin, Carrick; Mata, Januzaj, Memphis; Rooney.
Newcastle will be without defender Daryl Janmaat following his red card at Swansea. Moussa Sissoko is also in doubt with a groin injury but remains determined to start. Newly arrived French winger Florian Thauvin may also make his first appearance for his new club.
Possible XI: (4-5-1) Krul; Dummett, Mbemba, Coloccini, Haidara; Thauvin, Colback, Wijnaldum, Anita, Obertan; Cisse.
Key Battle – Wayne Rooney vs Fabricio Coloccini
Wayne Rooney’s start to the season has been poor by his own standards and the club captain has been widely criticised in the media. Despite his underwhelming start, United have won their opening three fixtures in all competitions all the while being significantly below their fluent best.
Rooney has had some memorable days against Newcastle in the past and if he can find some form then he has the potential to transform the potency of this United side, not just in this fixture but over the entire season. It will be Fabricio Coloccini’s job to contain United’s captain and ensure his slow start to the season continues but the Argentine defender will have to overcome some shaky form of his own to do so.
Head-to-head
Manchester United have had 83 wins over Newcastle in their history with Newcastle claiming just 41 wins. There have been 37 draws between the sides.
Previous Meeting
Newcastle 0 Manchester United 1
Ashley Young scored the only goal of the game in the 89th minute following a horrendous mix up at the back from Newcastle as United snatched a lucky win at St James Park.
Prediction
Manchester United 2 Newcastle 0
Memphis announced himself to Old Trafford with a memorable performance, registering two goals and one assist midweek. The front four of Memphis, Mata, Januzaj and Rooney continue to gel and should have too much firepower for a Newcastle side still finding its way under new manager Steve McLaren.
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I will like to see Mata play in that no.10 role. As for Januzaj, I don’t want to see in the no.10 again perhaps on the left where he can be devastating. Wish Man utd all the best. Hope Rooney find his scoring boot againstthe Toons tomorow.