How to follow United's huge clash with Newcastle

The Reds' returning no.7 completed his signing two days after our previous game against Wolves and the Portuguese superstar is now eligible for selection when manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer picks his team to play the Magpies this weekend.

Ahead of the highly anticipated match, here is everything you need to know about Ronaldo's potential reintroduction to the Theatre of Dreams…

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE GAME?

The match kicks off at 15:00 BST, meaning those of you in the UK not lucky enough to be at Old Trafford will not have the chance to watch it live, due to TV broadcast regulations. However, MUTV will show the game in its entirety from midnight on Saturday.

In the meantime, MUTV will show exclusive build-up to the battle with the Magpies, beginning at 13:30 BST and including the all-important team news at 14:00 BST. 

During the game itself, MUTV will provide live radio match commentary, as well as a half-time analysis show. The post-match programme will also be streamed live on ManUtd.com and the Official App from full-time.

You can watch the channel via the MUTV App on your smartphone and tablet, Xbox One, Amazon Fire, Apple TV and Roku or access it online at mutv.manutd.com.

Ronaldo trained with his new United team-mates for the first time on Tuesday following his early release from the Portugal squad due to suspension, and we are all excited to see our no.7 back in action in Manchester.

Jadon Sancho suffered a knock while in the England camp but he has also trained this week, as have recent absentees Scott McTominay and Alex Telles.

FORM GUIDE

The Reds have had a strong start to the season with two wins and an away draw. Following our 5-1 triumph over Leeds United, we drew 1-1 away at Southampton before earning a hard-fought victory against Wolverhampton Wanderers at the Molineux, thanks to a late winner from Mason Greenwood, United's Player of the Month for August. 

As for Steve Bruce’s men, they lost their first two matches of the Premier League campaign, against West Ham United and Aston Villa. As well, Newcastle were eliminated from the Carabao Cup, losing 3-4 on penalties to Burnley following a goalless draw. In their last league match, the Magpies claimed their first point of the season after they drew 2-2 at home to the aforementioned Saints.

MATCH PROGRAMME

As with every home match, a fresh edition of United Review will be on sale at Old Trafford and online but this one is a true collector’s item, covering everything about Cristiano Ronaldo’s return.

There's a five-page feature on Ronaldo's evolution as a footballer in the 12 years since he left United back in 2009, plus a look at the other notable Reds who returned to the club for second stints.

As well, it features an exclusive interview with Edinson Cavani in addition to Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s manager's column. You can order your copy of United Review here.

Historically, the Reds have got the upper hand on the Magpies. In 171 previous meetings, we have won 89 times, while 39 games have ended all square and 49 have been defeats.

Solskjaer’s team won both matches last season, after our 4-1 triumph at St. James’ Park in October 2020 was followed up by a 3-1 home win in February this year.

The Reds have won the last three league meetings between the clubs and been the on the winning side in five of our last six encounters with the North East team.

Back in 2008, Newcastle were on the receiving end of Ronaldo's only Reds hat-trick to date, scored in a 6-0 win at Old Trafford. Let's hope for more of the same on Saturday! 

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Anthony Taylor
Assistants: Gary Beswick, Adam Nunn
Fourth official: John Brooks
VAR: Craig Pawson
Assistant VAR: Scott Ledger

RIVALS WATCH

There’s plenty of Premier League action with six matches at the same time on Saturday. On Sunday, two of our rivals in Leeds United and Liverpool meet at Elland Road. This is how the weekend shapes up…

SATURDAY 11 SEPTEMBER

Crystal Palace v Tottenham Hotspur (12:30 BST)
Arsenal v Norwich City
Brentford v Brighton & Hove Albion
Leicester City v Manchester City
Southampton v West Ham United
Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
United v Newcastle
Chelsea v Aston Villa (17:30 BST)

SUNDAY 12 SEPTEMBER

Leeds United v Liverpool (16:30 BST)

MONDAY 13 SEPTEMBER

Everton v Burnley (20:00 BST)

All matches to be played at 15:00 BST if not stated otherwise.