Newcastle legend Nobby Solano believes Manchester United are under "much more pressure" than the Magpies to secure the win when the two sides meet on Sunday.
Erik ten Hag's side currently sit three points ahead of Eddie Howe's men in the Premier League table, with both clubs having played the same amount of games. The reverse fixture finished 0-0 at Old Trafford in October, but the Reds came out on top when they met in the Carabao Cup final in February.
United will be confident about achieving a top-four finish this campaign, and a victory over the Magpies would go a long way in their quest to secure Champions League football for next season. However, Newcastle great Solano has suggested Ten Hag's men will be under more pressure than their opponents.
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Speaking to Chronicle Live, the 48-year-old, who made 315 appearances for the Magpies, said: "I would say Man United - because of their history - are under more pressure than Newcastle. When it comes to who has to finish in the top four, Man United have the pressure.
"Newcastle came into this game on the back of two good results and they needed it to stay in the chase. But Newcastle can be more relaxed than Man United. If they win it's another big three points. For me, Newcastle seem in the better position because of the games in hand."
While the Premier League clash comes just 35 days after United defeated Newcastle 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley, Solano does not feel it will have any impact on proceedings in the game on Sunday.
He added: "I don't think the Carabao Cup final will be weighing on Newcastle's minds. This is a different situation. Man United and Newcastle both knew how important Wembley was but it's gone. Man United obliged and won the cup that day.
"But Sunday sees us into the last period of the season and it's down to points now. It is an important game for both teams and for me they are in different situations, one is under pressure, the other isn't."
United midfielder Casemiro is suspended for the clash after being sent off in the goalless draw with Southampton last month. Despite this, Solano insisted that Ten Hag's side have several capable replacements to fill the void left by the Brazilian ace.
"Casemiro is a wonderful player", he said. "He had success at Real Madrid. But no disrespect, this is Man United. If Newcastle had Bruno Guimaraes missing they would feel that. Man United though it is just another player and he will be replaced because they have strength in depth.
"Somebody like Scott McTominay just comes straight in, on the back of scoring against Spain. They just have a big strong squad. Newcastle would feel a bigger blow if they lost star players."
Newcastle have not defeated United since October 2019, with the Reds having won five of the last seven meetings in all competitions.
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