Premier League
Manchester United vs Newcastle United Preview
In a tough matchup before the international break, Manchester United and Newcastle United face each other at Old Trafford.
In a battle to keep their post, Jose Mourinho and Rafael Benitez will be looking for something more than draw.
Dark clouds are hovering over both clubs with Newcastle being winless this season and United laying in misery after some bad performances.
There is plenty of pressure on Mourinho after losing 3-1 to West Ham United last weekend and perhaps also losing the locker room. Additionally, this is United’s worst start in 29 years. However, this is also being attributed to third-season syndrome under Mourinho.
On the other side, Newcastle has yet to win in seven games this season. Fans have begun to protest against owner Mike Ashley but everything points at him continuing with the club.
Mike Ashley tonight took Rafa Benitez and his Newcastle players out for dinner in an attempt to establish a better working relationship.
More: https://t.co/AVwqMd1WLG pic.twitter.com/3FAxPiFqg7
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) October 3, 2018
Team News
Doubtful against Newcastle are Marcos Rojo, Ashley Young, Ander Herrera and Jesse Lingard. All missed Tuesday’s 0-0 draw against Valencia at home. Mourinho will provide an update on his squad come Friday at the pre-match press conference.
As for Benetiz’s side, Salomon Rondon will miss out due to a thigh injury. However, the Spaniard may count on Federico Fernandez and Paul Dummett who have been out with hamstring injuries.
Previously
The Red Devils have a solid favorable record against the Magpies, winning 84 of the 165 meetings stretching back to 1895. 39 of those meetings have ended in a draw. However, United are undefeated in 17 of their last 18 home matches against Newcastle in all competitions. Last season at Old Trafford, Mourinho’s men came from behind to beat Newcastle 4-1. Nonetheless, the Magpies won the reverse fixture at Saint Jame’s Park in March 1-0.
Predicted Lineups
Manchester United (4-3-3): De Gea; Shaw, Lindeloff, Smalling, Valencia; Matic, Fellaini, Pogba; Martial, Lukaku, Rashford.
Newcastle United (4-4-1-1): Dubravka; Yedlin, Lascelles, Clark, Dummett; Ritchie, Diame, Shelvey, Kennedy; Perez; Joselu.
Prediction
On the pitch, both of these clubs have been playing poorly and mostly not lose. There really isn’t much to look forward to in the horizon for either team. However, with the luster of players in United’s squad, the Red Devils and Mourinho will grab a big win before the international break. However, the pressure will still be mounting over Mourinho’s future.
Manchester United 3 – 1 Newcastle United
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