Newcastle United usually head for Old Trafford with a feeling of fear and dread swirling around them and that's understandable after just one Premier League win ever at the so-called Theatre of Dreams.
That record is even worse when you look at it before the Premier League years with just one win since 1972 no less. Regardless of Man United's quality, with stars like Ronaldo and Casemiro helping to run the show, the mood in the Newcastle camp couldn't be much better this week.
Compared to even 12 months ago when Ronaldo's "second debut" for the Reds resulted in a 4-1 victory and inevitable goal for the football legend, there is a "bring it on" type feel to Sunday's encounter. Games are racking up for Man United with a Europa League home game against Omonia on Thursday giving Erik ten Hag just one full day to prepare for Newcastle at their famous Carrington training complex.
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The Dutchman - who was in the frame for the Newcastle job just a year ago - has recovered from both a shaky start in the league and a derby defeat against Man City to guide Man United into the top five. The Old Trafford outfit may not be the once all-conquering team of the past, but they have undoubted quality throughout their squad.
Unbeatable on home turf though? Absolutely not. Just ask Wolves, Brighton, Atletico Madrid and Real Sociedad who have all won there in 2022 so far.
Newcastle warmed up for the clash against Man United with a 5-1 win over Brentford as they undid the Bees with a goal from a set-piece before cashing in on defensive errors. Well, not only are the current Man United team poor when dealing with set-pieces they are pretty shocking defensively having conceded 15 goals already although six of those were against City and another four in the opening game of the season against Brentford.
In truth, Ten Hag is still trying to implement his game plan at Man United - making it a good time to play them. Man United defender Victor Lindelof said on Sunday night: "We want to keep the ball, we want to play football and we want to dominate games with the ball."
Yet Newcastle are both tricky to break down and dangerous in possession. Howe will also send his team to Old Trafford to attack not defend.
Toon fans aren't used to heading to Manchester believing they can win. But that's what Howe has changed in just 11 months on Tyneside.
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