Manchester United are looking to make it seven wins from their last eight league matches as they face Newcastle at St James’ Park
Manchester United are taking on Newcastle at St James’ Park after beating them 1-0 at Old Trafford in December(Image: Getty Images)
Manchester United travel to St James’ Park to face Newcastle on Wednesday night looking to continue their remarkable resurgence under Michael Carrick.
Just a few months ago, sitting comfortably in the Champions League spots seemed unthinkable for United, but Carrick has steadied the ship, restoring tactical balance and allowing key players to play with freedom once again.
While performances haven’t always been blistering, United are displaying a vital knack for grinding out results. That resilience was on full display at the weekend against Crystal Palace, where Carrick’s side came from behind to seal a 2-1 win.
Eddie Howe’s Newcastle, by contrast, are enduring a miserable run of form. The Magpies have lost five of their last six league games, with their only victory since early January coming against stragglers Tottenham.
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Despite the contrasting trajectories of the two clubs, fixtures between United and Newcastle rarely fail to deliver drama. United beat Newcastle 1-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, but lost five of their previous six against them heading into that tie, including a 4-1 defeat in their last trip to St James’ Park in May last year.
Below, MEN outlines what three veteran football pundits are predicting for tonight’s showdown in the north east.
Harry Redknapp: 2-2
“Wow, what a game this should be. Newcastle look a long way off the top four now but they need a big performance and a big win just to give the place a lift. There’s still so much for them to play for this season.
“United haven’t been playing brilliantly in the last few games but they’re getting results and that’s all that matters. To think they’re now third in the league, that would have been unthinkable a few months ago.
“One to watch – Anthony Gordon usually delivers in the big game for Newcastle, I can see him causing United a lot of problems. I can see an end-to-end, entertaining clash. 2-2.”
Former Tottenham and West Ham boss Harry Redknapp is predicting a 2-2 draw(Image: Alan Crowhurst/Getty Images)
Paul Merson: 2-2
“Newcastle look very tired. They don’t look like the team that usually play at St James’ Park. Just look at their recent results at home: 3-2 losses to Everton and Brentford, 2-0 loss to Villa, goalless draw against Wolves. It’s not the Newcastle we knew.
“Bruno Fernandes is back to his best under Michael Carrick. But in that game against Crystal Palace, I thought Manchester United were very slow to start. They were fortunate to not concede two goals. If United start like that against Newcastle, they are in trouble!
“Kobbie Mainoo has also stepped up so well in recent weeks. All Carrick has done is put everybody back in their best positions and they are playing freely. It’s definitely a good time to be a Manchester United supporter.
“Newcastle are still a threat at home. They need their midfield three to start firing if they want to hurt Manchester United here. I expect an entertaining 2-2 draw.”
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Chris Sutton: 2-2
“Newcastle’s inconsistency struck again in Saturday’s home defeat by Everton, and who knows which team will turn up here.
“Manchester United were not great against Crystal Palace either, when they needed a penalty and Maxence Lacroix’s red card to really change the game, but they still found a way to win it.
“Benjamin Sesko suddenly looks like a handful for Michael Carrick’s side – he is big and physical and scored a brilliant header against Palace – so Newcastle will have to deal with him.
“It is hard to call this one but there have been so many great games between these two sides down the years, and this could be another classic. I reckon it’ll finish 2-2.”
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