Anthony Martial in action against Newcastle United in November 2017

Next up... Newcastle

Thursday 04 October 2018 07:00

Manchester United return to Premier League action on Saturday evening when winless Newcastle United come to Old Trafford.

The Reds, who drew 0-0 with Valencia at home in the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday night, will be determined to sign off for the season's second international break by picking up maximum points in front of the home fans.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the game... 

United v Newcastle
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Saturday 6 October | Premier League | Old Trafford | Live build-up on MUTV from 16:00 BST | Kick-off at 17:30 BST | Referee: Anthony Taylor

WHAT'S THE TEAM NEWS?
The boss told the media on Friday morning that there are no fresh injury concerns ahead of the game - meaning injured trio Ander Herrera, Jesse Lingard and Marcos Rojo will continue to be absent - but Ashley Young could return to action after missing the midweek match against Valencia with a minor problem. 

WHAT ABOUT NEWCASTLE?
Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett could return for Rafa Benitez’s men on Saturday. The defensive duo missed Newcastle’s defeat against Leicester City last weekend - both with hamstring injuries - but they may have recovered in time for the trip to Old Trafford. Venezuelan striker Salomon Rondon is still unavailable with a thigh injury, while long-term absentee Florian Lejeune (knee) will also be missing.

HOW HAVE NEWCASTLE BEEN GETTING ON?
The struggling Magpies sit 18th in the table after a tough start to the campaign, in which they have faced four of last season's top six teams already. Newcastle have picked up just two points from their opening seven matches, in draws against Cardiff City and Crystal Palace. They were beaten 2-0 by Leicester City at St James' Park last weekend but have ran Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal and Manchester City close, losing 2-1 against all three teams. 

WHAT'S OUR RECORD AGAINST THEM LIKE?
The Reds have a solid overall record against the Tyneside outfit, winning just over half (84) of the sides' 165 competitive meetings, stretching back to 1895. Newcastle have won 42 of the previous games, with 39 matches ending in a draw. Jose Mourinho's men came from behind to beat Newcastle 4-1 at Old Trafford last November thanks to goals from Anthony Martial, Chris Smalling, Paul Pogba and Romelu Lukaku, before Matt Ritchie netted the only goal to give the Magpies a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture at St James' Park in March. 

Focus on Benitez
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Rafael Benitez brings his Newcastle side to Old Trafford for the second time. The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss has overseen 112 matches as Magpies boss - he has won 49, drawn 23 and lost 40.

WHO'S THE REFEREE?
Anthony Taylor will take charge of his eighth Premier League game – and first United match – of the season on Saturday. The Cheshire official oversaw four games involving the Reds last term, with the most recent being the 2-1 win over Tottenham in April’s Emirates FA Cup semi-final at Wembley. He will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, while the fourth official is Stuart Attwell – who refereed the Reds’ Carabao Cup tie against Derby County last month.
Did you know?
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Jose Mourinho has won eight, drawn four and lost six of his 18 previous games against Rafael Benitez as a manager.

WHO ARE OUR RIVALS PLAYING THIS WEEKEND?
The Premier League schedule gets under way on Friday night at the Amex Stadium. Here's what the full fixture list looks like... 

Friday 5 October
Brighton & Hove Albion v West Ham United (20:00 BST)

Saturday 6 October
Burnley v Huddersfield Town
Crystal Palace v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Watford v Bournemouth
Leicester City v Everton
Tottenham v Cardiff City
Manchester United v Newcastle United (17:30 BST)

Sunday 7 October
Fulham v Arsenal (12:00 BST)
Southampton v Chelsea (14:15 BST)
Liverpool v Manchester City (16:30 BST)

Matches kick off at 15:00 BST unless stated. 

Jose's team news for Newcastle clash

 Article

The latest from the boss on his United squad ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash with Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Jose: We need maximum points

 Article

Jose Mourinho wants his team to achieve "the happiness of a victory" against Newcastle on Saturday.