Fred challenges Jonjo Shelvey

Preview: Manchester United v Newcastle United

Friday 19 February 2021 13:26

Manchester United are back in Premier League action this weekend as we welcome Newcastle United to Old Trafford on Sunday.

The Reds will be hoping to build on our excellent midweek win over Real Sociedad when we host the Magpies this weekend.

Much like the last time we played Newcastle, the Reds netted four in the Europa League clash, and Ole will want to see a reoccurrence of that sharp shooting at Old Trafford.

Ahead of Sunday’s key game, here is all you need to know… 
United's top 10 goals v Newcastle Video

United's top 10 goals v Newcastle

Four current Reds are included in our list of the best strikes against the Magpies at Old Trafford…

HOW CAN I FOLLOW THE MATCH?

The game gets underway at 19:00 GMT on Sunday night, and will be broadcast live in the UK via BT Sport 1. You can also follow the action via ManUtd.com and our Official App, where you’ll be able to enjoy live, in-game data through our Match Centre. MUTV will also be providing build-up, live radio commentary and post-match reaction, and will show full reruns of the 90 minutes from the following day. 

TEAM NEWS

There are doubts surrounding the fitness of Scott McTominay after he was withdrawn through injury on Thursday night, while Donny van de Beek and Edinson Cavani, who both missed the trip to Turin, could still be absent this weekend. The boss rotated in the Europa League and with a heavy fixture schedule coming up, could do likewise at Old Trafford, although Paul Pogba and Phil Jones are definitely ruled out through injury.

Newcastle, meanwhile, will be without top scorer Callum Wilson, as well as defenders Fabian Schar and Javier Manquillo after they all picked up injuries in the Magpies’ recent 3-2 win over Southampton. Federico Fernandez is also out, although Bruce will be able to call on the services of Jeff Hendrick again after he returns from serving a suspension last time out against Chelsea. 

FORM GUIDE

Following the 9-0 win over Southampton on 2 February, United were pegged back by a late Dominic Calvert-Lewin goal that saw the Reds draw 3-3 with Everton, and followed that up with a disappointing 1-1 draw away to West Bromwich Albion. Despite that, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are unbeaten in the last six in all competitions, including Thursday’s emphatic 4-0 victory over Real Sociedad.

As for the Magpies, they have won just two of their last 15 in all competitions. Steve Bruce’s men had seemed to have turned a corner following wins over Everton and Southampton, the latter of which they had to play with nine men for the last 25 minutes.  But defeat to Chelsea last time out leaves the Magpies looking over their shoulder in 17th place in the table. 

Earlier this season, goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Marcus Rashford sealed a 4-1 rout for United at St James’ Park. That was the latest in our good record against Newcastle, who have only won once at Old Trafford in the Premier League.

Highlights: Newcastle 1 United 4 Video

Highlights: Newcastle 1 United 4

Watch all the goals and other key moments from a magnificent away win for the Reds...

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Without top scorer Callum Wilson, Newcastle’s biggest threat will come in the wide areas, mostly through the mercurial Allan Saint-Maximin. The Frenchman was out for an extended period after suffering from long-term effects of COVID-19, but has now returned to the side, making his first start since contracting the virus, in the recent win over Southampton. 

Miguel Almiron picked up a double against the Saints that day, while Bruce will be delighted to with the recent performances of Joe Willock, who joined on loan from Arsenal on transfer deadline day.

MATCH OFFICIALS

Referee: Paul Tierney
Assistants: Lee Betts &Neil Davies
Fourth official: Lee Mason
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Assistant VAR: Adrian Holmes

Classic Match: United 6 Newcastle 0 Video

Classic Match: United 6 Newcastle 0

This resounding win, from 2008, featured Cristiano Ronaldo’s only Reds hat-trick and a rare goal for Rio Ferdinand…

MATCH PROGRAMME

Sunday's packed issue of United Review contains a big exclusive interview with Marcus Rashford, marking his landmark 250th appearance for the Reds and upcoming fifth anniversary of his debut. There's also reaction to Mason Greenwood's new contract, a long read on Scott McTominay's development, Solskjaer's pre-match thoughts, an opposition guide and much more. You can order a print edition from manutd.com/programme or buy its digital version via manutd.com/digitalur from Friday evening.

PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY

Southampton v Chelsea (12:30 GMT)
Burnley v West Bromwich Albion (15:00 GMT)
Liverpool v Everton (17:30 GMT)
Fulham v Sheffield United (20:00 GMT)

SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY


West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (12:00 GMT)
Aston Villa v Leicester City (14:00 GMT)
Arsenal v Manchester City (16:30 GMT)
UNITED v Newcastle United (19:00 GMT)

MONDAY 22 FEBRUARY


Brighton and Hove Albion v Crystal Palace (20:00 GMT)

 

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