Match Preview: Newcastle United vs Manchester United

Newcastle United vs Manchester United | Premier League | St James’ Park | KO: 20:00 | Sky Sports

We’ve all missed Manchester United, however hard it has been to admit, the lack of games due to the club’s recent COVID-19 outbreak has left a void in all our lives.

But as usual, the Christmas period always comes bearing gifts, and for Red’s worldwide the most significant is the return of Rangnick’s Reds as they travel to the North East to take on Newcastle.

How do Manchester United look?

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Carrington being shut down for four days as well as the corresponding games being postponed may have come as a blessing in disguise for the Reds.

United were on the brink of having a number of absentees back in the squad, but the short break has allowed for their full recuperation. In his press conference Rangnick confirmed that he will have almost a full squad to choose from with Paul Pogba being the significant absentee.

“Today was the third day of training this week, we started on Tuesday, we trained yesterday and today, and today we had 25 outfield players. Quite apart from Paul Pogba, he’s the only one missing out, everyone was on board.” The German told press.

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United’s bolstered squad will likely see Edinson Cavani and Raphael Varane return to contention causing selection headaches in their own right.

In terms of the Reds’ position in the league, United have work to do to make up for lost time with games in hands on their top-four rivals. The likes of Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur has come into some form making them a threat to be wary of for the remainder of the season.

Opposition: Newcastle United

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The Magpies do not look good. Despite the euphoria of their influx of funds due to their Saudi takeover, things on the pitch haven’t improved on the whole. Eddie Howe was appointed in early November and has since helped the Toon army pick up five points from a possible 21. Sitting in 19th place, Newcastle look doomed.

During his time at Bournemouth, Howe managed two wins in the Premier League vs United. His most recent win against United came in his last full season in the top flight in 19/20 as his Cherries beat Solskjaer’s side at the Vitality stadium 1-0.

Newcastle will be without Isaac Hayden due to suspension and Jonjo Shelvey is also a fitness doubt.

Key Stats

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Cristiano Ronaldo has scored seven goals in his last four league appearances vs the Magpies. His return to the Premier League saw him score a brace against Newcastle in the reverse fixture.

The Reds have won 10 Premier League games from a losing position against Newcastle – no side has won more from behind against an opponent since the league’s inception in 1992.

Newcastle have dropped more points from winning positions in the Premier League this season with 17.