Manchester United take on Newcastle in the second of three home games in a row. Following a tight but dramatic 1-0 win over Omonia, Manchester United now return to Premier League action in a bid to push for Top Four. United are just a point off fourth and only five points off Tottenham in third with a game in hand. As they are playing Spurs and Chelsea next week, tomorrow’s game is a must-win and those two matches are must-not-lose. Newcastle are on an unbeaten run of four and back-to-back wins over Brentford and Fulham. Their wins have put them a solitary point behind Manchester United in sixth and a win at Old Trafford would make some statement. Will Erik ten Hag’s side continue their good form or will the Magpies snatch a shock win at Old Trafford? Here’s all you need to know:

Manchester United vs Newcastle Match Information

Teams: Manchester United and Newcastle United
Date: Sunday 16th October 2022
KO Time: 14:00 GMT
Stadium: Old Trafford
Managers: Erik ten Hag and Eddie Howe
Referee: Craig Pawson

Manchester United and Newcastle United Team News:

Manchester United

Manchester United remain without Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Donny van de Beek, Brandon Williams and Harry Maguire due to injury. Raphael Varane seems to be available after coming on against Everton and making the bench but not risked against Omonia. Anthony Martial did not make the bench after sustaining yet another injury against Everton but may be available for Sunday. Scott McTominay is suspended and will not feature. Diogo Dalot is one card away from the same fate.

Newcastle United

Newcastle have no new injury concerns leaving Karl Darlow, Jonjo Shelvey, Emile Krafth, Matt Ritchie and Alexander Isak the only absentees for the Magpies. Allan Saint-Maximin is tipped to start ahead of Jacob Murphy along with the dangerous Miguel Almiron and Callum Wilson.

Interesting Facts:

• Manchester United have scored 18 goals in their last five home games against Newcastle United.

• However, Manchester United have not kept a clean sheet against Newcastle since a 0-2 win at St James’ Park in 2019. They have not kept a clean sheet at Old Trafford against Newcastle since August 2015!
• Manchester United have conceded the first goal against Newcastle in four of their last six games. However, they have only lost once in that time (W4 D1 L1).

Predicted XI:

David de Gea has impressed with his sweeping and distribution in the last two games which begs the question why he was so unwilling to do it before…

In defence, I expect Dalot and Shaw to keep their places from the weekend and the same for Martinez. Lindelof has been very good in the last two games and with Chelsea and Spurs to come, perhaps he continues his run in the team and Varane comes in for the Spurs game. In midfield, with Fred being less than impressive against Omonia, I expect the same midfield from the weekend game with Casemiro, Fernandes and Eriksen starting.

This is where it is tricky. I am going to assume Martial won’t be ready to play tomorrow and I can see Ten Hag keeping the front three the same as the Omonia game and make changes when necessary. However, I think Ten Hag is a clever man and would rather bring on Ronaldo to win a game than take him off if he plays poorly.

Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): De Gea; Dalot, Lindelof, Martinez, Shaw; Casemiro, Eriksen; Antony, Fernandes, Sancho; Rashford

Predicted Score:

United have demonstrated they can create chances but the issue remains that they can’t score them often enough. They have only scored three goals twice this season and only won by a two-goal margin twice as well. They need to start killing games off because it leaves a lot of nervous energy with the crowds and allows opponents to build momentum as we saw against Omonia (A) and Everton. I look at the Newcastle defence and see resolute defenders but those that can make mistakes and those have to be pounced on. I’ll be in the crowd tomorrow so I hope it’s a good performance but I expect a narrow scoreline.

United to win 2-1