Eddie Howe’s once-proud backline is making mistake after mistake but must refocus against Sesko and Co
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick(Image: Getty)
A Geordie has turned Manchester United from a team only too ready to roll over and expose a soft underbelly into a tough nut chasing Champions League qualification. All while standing in on a temporary basis.
Michael Carrick, once of Wallsend Boys Club and sacked as manager of Middlesbrough, will bring Man U back to his native shores as a serious threat to the PL rehabilitation of a shaky Newcastle.
Where not so long ago it would have been a real chance for three welcome points it’s now as mighty a challenge as the very best provide.
What a change has happened on the horizon of two famous Uniteds. The hosts have lost three successive PL games against anything but elite challenge – the worst run since the dark days of Steve Bruce – while our visitors boast six victories and a draw from seven fixtures since Carrick was summoned to steady a rocking boat resulting in them soaring to third top of the table.
FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK! Keep up with all the Newcastle United latest via the Chronicle’s dedicated Facebook page
Michael’s dad Vince is a huge Newcastle fan and member of the Fairs Club which pays homage to United’s only ever European winners while brother Graeme was employed by the Mags before joining Michael at Boro. However the family bond will top everything come kick off Wednesday night. They will desperately want to see their lad extend his impressive record as Man U manager.
Carrick, of course, cemented his playing career at Old Trafford having made his way through West Ham and Spurs following in the tradition of Geordie great Sir Bobby Charlton.
His roll of honour since taking to the stage at the Theatre of Dreams is nothing short of staggering – 464 competitive games player, five PL titles, three League Cups, an FA Cup, plus globally a Champions League, Europa League, and Club World Cup. Definitely a Geordie great.
As for the team representing us Geordies it is a mishmash of uncertainty. What is going on in their minds – they defend with all the resistance of a chocolate fireguard. Elementary stuff done on a Sunday morning playing field is beyond them at times. There are no basics, no concentration, no pace in the back line. Just mistake upon mistake.
To think Newcastle kept four clean sheets in their opening five league fixtures.
Midfield sees Sandro Tonali working himself into a lather with little around him and up top we have no centre-forward, a right winger of pace and powderpuff impact in Anthony Elanga, and a left winger temporarily off the boil in Harvey Barnes.
While Newcastle’s summer signings Nick Woltemade and Yoane Wissa struggle badly for goals one of the men we tried to secure, Benjamin Sesko, is on fire notching seven in his last eight appearances including the winner against Crystal Palace.
The Magpies stand 13th on the starting grid, nearer to third bottom West Ham than fifth top Liverpool in terms of points. Lost in no-man’s land and in desperate need of finding a way to the green grasses of the PL.
What our United have to face very quickly after this fixture is a sudden death FA Cup tie with Man City and a double header Champions League glamour tie against Barcelona. Opposition which, if you’re not at your best, will destroy you. It is time to pull the switch…if they can find it.
Who Howe trusts to do the job against Man U is debatable. For me he got his starting line-up wrong against Everton. Woltemade midfield and Joelinton outside-left was a disaster which in fairness he quickly recognised.
Eddie has much to take into account like freshness, shuffling the pack which is usual, mental strength, and desire. Maybe Lewis Hall and Tonali currently tick the boxes but who else does? Not many if any. We desperately miss Bruno not just for his ability but his inspirational presence which can trigger others.
So what are we going to get v Man U – the Newcastle which recently won three back to back away matches or the one which has just lost three successive PL home games? Who knows. United seem to stagger from triumph to tragedy.
We fear the worst but hope for the best. Surely, surely after those PL defeats at SJP the Mags cannot lose three home matches in just a week which means meeting the challenge of the two juggernaut Manchester clubs square on with bravery and defiance.
Ensure our latest Newcastle United headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as Preferred Source in your Google search settings
Find the best flights and hotels for Champions League games
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Various Prices
Booking.com
Booking.com provides countless deals on flights and accommodation across Europe so Newcastle United fans can follow the team on their Champions League campaign.