MANCHESTER UNITED host Newcastle in a mammoth Premier League clash in the battle for a spot in Europe TONIGHT.
The Red Devils have had a league campaign to forget – breaking all sorts of unwanted records such as most goals conceded since 1970/71.
And Erik ten Hag’s side hit another bump in the road last Sunday having lost to bitter rivals Arsenal courtesy of a first-half Leandro Trossard strike.
However, Newcastle haven’t exactly been firing on all cylinders and their 1-1 draw with Brighton last weekend was another example of this.
The Magpies have already beaten United twice this season, including a 1-0 victory in the reverse fixture in December.
That win followed a 3-0 away triumph at Old Trafford in the Carabao Cup a month earlier.
So with all that being said, it is set up to be an unpredictable match and SunSport can provide fans with all the information around the encounter below.
United are winless in three following their loss to Arsenal, with the run also including a 4-0 thrashing by Crystal Palace.
The Red Devils have lost just one of their 28 home Premier League meetings with Newcastle, though.
They have also suffered just one defeat in their final home league match across the last 16 seasons.
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However, United have already been beaten nine times at Old Trafford across all competitions this season and have never lost 10 in a single campaign.
Newcastle are on a three-match winning run against United as well as losing just one of their last eight matches.
Of those fixtures, Eddie Howe’s side have won five times including comfortable victories over Burnley, Tottenham and Sheffield United.
Amad Diallo is a doubt after suffering a knock against Arsenal, whilst Mason Mount missed the match through injury.
Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes are currently being assessed and could return along with Anthony Martial and Lisandro Martinez.
Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia remain ruled out.
Newcastle’s injury concerns have eased in recent months but Howe remains without long-term absentees Sven Botman and Jamaal Lascelles.
He could welcome back Fabian Schar from a thigh injury, though.
Callum Wilson also missed the draw with Brighton due to a tight hamstring but could feature at Old Trafford.
Kobbie Mainoo has been a rare bright spark for United this season after establishing himself in Ten Hag’s starting line-up.
The midfielder has scored three goals in 29 appearances since returning from an ankle injury in November.
He also made his England debut against Brazil in March before a man of the match display against Belgium.
Just two players have scored more than Alexander Isak in the Premier League this season.
The Sweden international’s 20 goals in 28 appearances has only been bettered by Erling Haaland and Cole Palmer.
Isak is in fine form, with 10 goals in 11 matches since coming back from a groin injury in February.
However, the 24-year-old has yet to score in five previous meetings with United for Newcastle and Real Sociedad.
On his defensive injuries, Ten Hag said on Sunday: “We’ve talked all season about this. To have a backline who play together regularly and have routines is obviously better.
“You need players who have confidence to play there, we have players playing in positions who are not used to them and then you make mistakes.
“At a high level you are punished. Or you have to play players who are not fit. That’s the situation we are in.”
Howe praised the Newcastle fans after the clash with Brighton, explaining: “Without a doubt the scene, the environment created by the supporters [has contributed to good home record].
“Even when Brighton scored they got right behind the team but we just couldn’t find that winning goal. They have made this place a really difficult place to play. This season the crowd have taken it to another level.”
United’s poor season is at risk of getting worse before the campaign ends as Newcastle look to pile on more misery.
The Toon Army remain in control of their European destiny and are hopeful of Europa League qualification for next term.
SunSport prediction – 1-3
Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be hoping several key stars will return who missed out on the 1-0 defeat to Arsenal.
Mason Mount (muscle), Bruno Fernandes (unknown), Marcus Rashford (muscle), Harry Maguire (muscle), Victor Lindelof (hamstring), Luke Shaw (muscle) Lisandro Martinez (calf), Tyrrell Malacia (knee), Anthony Martial (groin) and Raphael Varane (unknown) were all unavailable.
While Amad Diallo was forced off early with a knee issue.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe has also been struck with a lengthy list of injuries.
Callum Wilson (thigh), Fabian Schar (hamstring), Lewis Miley (back), Joe Willock (ankle), Jamaal Lascelles (cruciate ligament), Matt Targett (achilies), Sven Botman (knee) are all likely to miss the trip to Old Trafford.
And Sandro Tonali continues to serve his suspension for breaching betting rules.
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes are correct at time of publication
