Eddie Howe travels south on Sunday looking for his first win against Manchester United at Old Trafford. Four defeats from five attempts should fire an ominous warning for Newcastle United fans ahead of the Premier League clash… or should it?
Records, as they say, are there to be broken. Who would have thought Newcastle would become the first club to survive relegation after failing to win in their opening 14 matches? Howe certainly did.
The Magpies’ boss has two victories over Man United from his time as Bournemouth manager - both coming at the Vitality Stadium. For the first time in years, a buoyant Toon side travel to Old Trafford believing three points can be earned.
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Erik ten Hag must contend with several first-team absentees when he welcomes Newcastle to the Theatre of Dreams - a nickname coined by a Geordie, Sir Bobby Charlton. ChronicleLive have produced a round-up of those who will not feature for the Red Devils this weekend…
Harry Maguire - Out
Widely-criticised defender Maguire has lost his place in Ten Hag’s side - but his absence on Sunday is forced. The skipper picked up a thigh injury on international duty and is expected to return soon.
“Harry Maguire will not make this, but it doesn’t take long,” Ten Hag said. I think that next week he will be back in the team training or over the next week.”
Anthony Martial - Doubt
The Frenchman hobbled off after just half an hour of Man United’s 2-1 win against Everton. However, Ten Hag has confirmed he could make a return on Sunday.
“Anthony Martial can (return) but we have to wait to see how he develops in the coming hours,” he said on Thursday.
Donny van de Beek - Out
Van de Beek has played just 19 minutes of Premier League action all season. A “knock” kept him out of the 2–1 win over Arsenal a month ago… but he has not been seen since.
Aaron Wan Bissaka - Out
Like Van der Beek, the right-back has also struggled for game time this season. His manager confirmed that he has suffered a “longer-term injury” and will not be fit for Newcastle.
Scott McTominay - Out
A clumsy yellow card last weekend was McTominay’s fifth of the campaign - meaning he must serve a one-match suspension. Big-money signing Casemiro will likely start against the Magpies in midfield.
Martin Dubravka - Out
A man who is familiar to Toon supporters - given his hurried exit at the back end of the transfer window. As Dubravka has only joined Man United on loan, he is ineligible to face his parent club.
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