Newcastle could all but secure themselves a top-six finish by beating Manchester United tonight, exclusively live on talkSPORT.
The Magpies occupy sixth in the Premier League as things stand and sit level on points with Chelsea who play on the same night against Brighton.
If Eddie Howe’s side claim three points and the Blues lose, a place in Europe will be on the edge of being confirmed as their goal difference is largely superior.
Out to prevent that are Man United whose dismal campaign continued against Arsenal last time out, with another loss here setting them up for their worst-ever league finish.
Man United vs Newcastle: Theatre of Streams
Man United will be hoping it’s not raining on Wednesday night…
A major storm hit Old Trafford in the final stages of their defeat to Arsenal and it exposed some huge flaws in the stadium.
READ MORE ON PREMIER LEAGUE
Water could be seen cascading down between the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand and East Stand creating a waterfall.
Meanwhile, water was seen flowing down the steps of the Sir Bobby Charlton Stand, filling a moat around the pitch.
Hail could also be seen falling, and video footage from talkSPORT’s Alex Crook as well as other journalists in attendance showed that water made its way inside the stadium.
Things were no better in the Old Trafford tunnel as water was escaping from many places and it proved that change is desperately needed at the iconic venue.
4
- Manchester United have lost just one of their 28 Premier League home games against Newcastle (W18 D9), going down 1-0 in December 2013 under David Moyes.
- Newcastle United have won each of their last three meetings with Manchester United in all competitions, as many as in their previous 21 beforehand (D4 L14). The last English team to win four in a row against the Red Devils were Manchester City between 2013 and 2014.
Man United vs Newcastle: Team news
Bruno Fernandes remains a doubt for United after missing the last two games through injury.
The captain may be absent again while Marcus Rashford also sat out of the defeat to Arsenal at the weekend despite positive comments on his fitness from Ten Hag.
Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Raphael Varane, Mason Mount, Anthony Martial and Tyrell Malacia are all still sidelined.
But Lisandro Martinez is back in training and Willy Kambwala is fit to feature from the off.
As for Newcastle, Kieran Trippier could return to the starting line-up.
So could Nick Pope and Joelinton who have both recovered from long-term injuries while Joe Willock and Lewis Miley remain out.
Centre-backs Sven Botman, Fabian Schar and Jamaal Lascelles are all out meaning Dan Burn and Emil Krafth will likely start again.
But Alexander Isak and Callum Wilson haven’ trained ahead of the game, meaning the Toon could be without any first-team strikers.
4
- Manchester United have only lost their final home league game in one of the last 16 seasons (W11 D4), going down 2-0 against Cardiff in 2018-19.
- Newcastle have already beaten Manchester United twice in all competitions this season, including a 3-0 win at Old Trafford in the EFL Cup. The last team to win three games against the Red Devils in a campaign were Chelsea in 2012-13, while the Blues were also the last team to beat them twice away from home in a season (2004-05).
Man United vs Newcastle: What has been said?
Fernandes has missed United’s last two games and they have lost both, with his leadership on the pitch clearly missed.
The Portugal international is the main voice in the squad and Red Devils legend Rio Ferdinand thinks the team have struggled without his presence.
Speaking on The White and Jordan Show on talkSPORT, Ferdinand said: “I know that Bruno [Fernandes] points out things and pulls young players in et cetera.
“Whether you think he does it in the right way when he is on the pitch and might be too animated for some people.
“But I look at the last two games that Manchester United have played and they haven’t been good enough, he is a big miss to that team.
“He creates chances and makes other players look good. But he would be the one that would be pulling people and talking to people.”
4
- Manchester United have lost nine matches at Old Trafford in all competitions this season; they have never suffered 10 home defeats in a single season before in their history.
- Newcastle’s Eddie Howe has managed 14 away Premier League games against the division’s two Manchester clubs (Man City and Man Utd) without winning any (D2 L12). In the competition’s history, only Steve Bruce (26) has managed more away games in Manchester without ever winning than Howe.
Man United vs Newcastle: talkSPORT coverage
This Premier League clash will take place on Wednesday, May 15.
Kick-off at Old Trafford is scheduled for 8pm.
talkSPORT will have EXCLUSIVE live coverage of the game presented by Adrian Durham.
Commentary will come from Sam Matterface and former England striker Dean Ashton.