[Gentleman Jim]

Don't worry about CL. That's guaranteed.
I honestly think that they will do you tomorrow though.

 

[AjaxCunian]

McFred in 2023. That's though but understandable with 3 midfielders missing.

Ole got it to work at times somehow but that's one of the worst pivots in the prem.

 

[Lost bear]

I think we have to win this game. The more distance we put between 5th now, the more we cam focus on cup games in the future and risk a draw. I say this, I think we will come away with a score draw which I also wouldn't be disappointed with.

I'm not sure if been mentioned already, but does anyone feel like our team has finally had a rest after months. I think none of our players played 180 mins during international window. Bruno managed to get off at 75th min on the Sunday, so he has a full week for first time since the WC. Rashford will obviously be back, has had 2 weeks off. Varane is retired, Dalot played but he needs the minutes, Sabizter played a full 90 on the first game and nothing in the second. Antony didn't play, although he probably does need minutes and Sancho well, never plays for England anymore. I feel like there should be a new energy around this team thanks to some well needed match day rest.

Yes, there must be a fair chance that an (albeit depleted) team will have been enjoying a much needed rest. I wonder if we’ll actually play quite well. I’m sure the doom and gloom atmosphere stems from years of poor managers and the consequent belief that the worst is always going to happen. Maybe it won’t.

 

[suheilsworld]

4 points in the next two games would be a good result considering the way results have gone today. Hoping for an Allardyce miracle on Monday

 

[George The Best]

A win tomorrow will be huge without Casemiro. Good luck lads, go for it.

 

[Giggs' right foot]

Don't worry about CL. That's guaranteed.
I honestly think that they will do you tomorrow though.

How so? We lose = Newcastle get above us. Spurs then win on monday and we're already out of top 4 - admittedly with two games in hand to catch Spurs' two point advantage, but still... Definitely not as done and dusted as you make it out.

 

[always_hoping]

Brighton and Liverpool? They were never on our radar.

Had Brighton won they would be just 5 points behind with same games played and due to play United at home.

 

[Bestofthebest]

Take a draw here and now but would be ecstatic with a win. Even a lucky 1-0 would be great.

 

[NLunited]

All be well, lads. McTwominay will score a brace.

Seriously though, our players will be fired up after this break, we will win this game.

 

[SAFMUTD]

McFred in 2023. That's though but understandable with 3 midfielders missing.

Ole got it to work at times somehow but that's one of the worst pivots in the prem.

They both lack so much quality on the ball it hurts. Fred can work when played in a more advanced position but when partnered with McTominay it's the worst combo. As you say easily one of the worst midfields in the league.

 

[mitchmouse]

I've got this horrible nagging feeling... I felt the same way shortly before the Liverpool game (and predicted a 4-0 loss!). If we go into our "not turning mode" or have a bad 30/40 minutes, we'll got stuffed again. I see this game (and midweek against Brentford) as absolutely vital for finishing top four. Four points (and then getting something at Brighton when that's rearranged) could be the morale-booster that gets us there.

But, as I said, I have this awful feeling...

 

[Alan Partridge]

How so? We lose = Newcastle get above us. Spurs then win on monday and we're already out of top 4 - admittedly with two games in hand to catch Spurs' two point advantage, but still... Definitely not as done and dusted as you make it out.

I think he’s trying to jinx us

 

[fergiewherearethou]

I've got this horrible nagging feeling... I felt the same way shortly before the Liverpool game (and predicted a 4-0 loss!). If we go into our "not turning mode" or have a bad 30/40 minutes, we'll got stuffed again. I see this game (and midweek against Brentford) as absolutely vital for finishing top four. Four points (and then getting something at Brighton when that's rearranged) could be the morale-booster that gets us there.

But, as I said, I have this awful feeling...

Looking back at our pre-international break from, I have the same feeling, but sometimes a 2 weeks break changes things, one way or another.
I would take a draw today without doubt.

 

[A-man]

Manchester United

Donny van de Beek, Christian Eriksen, Alejandro Garnacho and Casemiro ruled out. Raphaël Varane, Marcel Sabitzer, Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial doubtful.


Newcastle United

Emil Krafth, Miguel Almirón and Ryan Fraser ruled out. Sven Botman, Nick Pope, Allan Saint-Maximin and Anthony Gordon doubtful.

​

​

Both teams have huge amounts of players on the injury lists. Anybody who has an injury update regarding the “doubtful” ones?

 

[I’m loving my life]

I know it won’t happen but I would do absolutely anything to avoid a McFred midfield. Add in Mainoo for an extra body or put lindelof behind them if needed. We have seen how a flimsy midfield is absolutely crucial to any control (or lack of) that we have in games.

 

[McGrathsipan]

Looking forward to this.
Lads should be raring to go

 

[James35]

Feel a loss coming our way. Haven’t been confident about this fixture for a long while, not that Newcastle are necessarily that good just we have looked well off it and away from home it’s 50/50 whether we will capitulate or not. McTominay and Fred which I see as the likely duo starting sends shivers down my spine so I will happily take a point.

 

[Baneofthegame]

Think we will win this 2-0, in a similar performance to the cup final.

 

[DJ_21]

Big game today! Think the first goals crucial. If we can get the first goal then it should be an easy win. Don’t fancy us chasing a goal in this game.

 

[Leftback99]

Hopefully we can turn up in an away game against top half opposition for the first time this season. Can't afford to lose this.

 

[RedIan]

We some how have to get passed this mentality of “without casamiro we loose”

We played 3 games in his last suspension. 2 wins and a draw. Surely there is enough quality in the squad to manage without Cas.

Personally id play Martinez in front of a Back 4 with Shaw at CB but ETH doesnt seem to favour this so, Sabitzer, Fred, MCT , Mainoo, Bruno, possibly Erikson.. 3 of those 6 it is.

we were not great v Southampton but hadn't we played away in Spain 2 days earlier And been playing 3 games a week with little rotation for months.

Now we have had a rest, lets get some good form back starting with a win here.

 

[top1whoisman]

​

Both teams have huge amounts of players on the injury lists. Anybody who has an injury update regarding the “doubtful” ones?

Varane & Sabitzer should be fine, Rashford joined team training late this week but is expected to be fit. Martial is available for selection.

Botman & Pope are expected to be playing. No mention of Saint-Maximin in Howe’s presser so I guess he’s also fine. Gordon is touch and go.

 

[Berbasbullet]

Think this is the team (course injuries make it hard to call)
Ddg

AWB
Varane
Martinez
Shaw

McTominay
Fred

Antony
Bruno
Rashford

Weghorst

1-1 draw I reckon

 

[Tincanalley]

Let’s hope McT brings his Scotland form to school today.

 

[Massive Spanner]

I've got this horrible nagging feeling... I felt the same way shortly before the Liverpool game (and predicted a 4-0 loss!). If we go into our "not turning mode" or have a bad 30/40 minutes, we'll got stuffed again. I see this game (and midweek against Brentford) as absolutely vital for finishing top four. Four points (and then getting something at Brighton when that's rearranged) could be the morale-booster that gets us there.

But, as I said, I have this awful feeling...

Well I am shocked. You’re usually so positive.

 

[Tincanalley]

I've got this horrible nagging feeling... I felt the same way shortly before the Liverpool game (and predicted a 4-0 loss!). If we go into our "not turning mode" or have a bad 30/40 minutes, we'll got stuffed again. I see this game (and midweek against Brentford) as absolutely vital for finishing top four. Four points (and then getting something at Brighton when that's rearranged) could be the morale-booster that gets us there.

But, as I said, I have this awful feeling...

I know, it’s definitely unpredictable. This point in the season brings a certain instability, an air of madness and abandon, like a schoolroom getting close to the bell. On the other hand this could be a plus, too. It’s a very telling game as to the shape in which we approach the last few laps if the season; huge match for ETH I’d say.

 

[Still ill]

A dirty 1-0 victory, à la Cantona in '96.

 

[jderbyshire]

Can't wait for this.

I'm fully confident of a win.

EDIT: I just really hope Sabitzer plays.

 

[Tincanalley]

Think we will win this 2-0, in a similar performance to the cup final.

I agree we will win, but not at all like the Cup Final. I’m hoping to see the end of the running-on-fumes phase, and see control, organisation and measured pressure crush the oppos. This could be helped by the likes of Maxima running down blind alleys. He always strikes me as the kind of player who would be amazing with a bit of structure added to his game.

 

[jderbyshire]

De Gea
Wan-Bissaka Varane Martinez Shaw
McTominay Sabitzer
Antony Fernandes Rashford
Weghorst​

 

[Cathy Ferguson]

We some how have to get passed this mentality of “without casamiro we loose”

We played 3 games in his last suspension. 2 wins and a draw. Surely there is enough quality in the squad to manage without Cas.

Personally id play Martinez in front of a Back 4 with Shaw at CB but ETH doesnt seem to favour this so, Sabitzer, Fred, MCT , Mainoo, Bruno, possibly Erikson.. 3 of those 6 it is.

we were not great v Southampton but hadn't we played away in Spain 2 days earlier And been playing 3 games a week with little rotation for months.

Now we have had a rest, lets get some good form back starting with a win here.

We were not great against Fulham for 70 min either.

I am afraid Joelinton and Guimares will dominte the midfield.

 

[Tincanalley]

De Gea
Wan-Bissaka Varane Martinez Shaw
McTominay Sabitzer
Antony Fernandes Rashford
Weghorst​

Fred on later as impact sub? My hope/fantasy was that McFred explode today and dismiss their doubters

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Let’s hope McT brings his Scotland form to school today.

Hopefully but depends on the midfield role he gets given. If it’s a DM/DLP that he tends to play for us then it’s just not going to work as has been proven already. For Scotland, he has almost a free roam/license to get forward as much as possible and that’s how they reap the benefits of him.

If he does play then I hope it’s the latter role he is given.

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Hoping for a win but a draw won’t be the worst result in the world.

De Gea

Wan-Bissaka - Varane - Martinez - Shaw

McTominay - Fred

Antony - B.Fernandes - Rashford

Weghorst​

Bishop, Dalot, Maguire, Malacia, Mainoo, Sabitzer, Pellistri, Sancho, Elanga

Newcastle United 0-1 Manchester United

 

[Swedish_Plumber]

Eriksen not yet ready to make the squad?

 

[Red Royal]

Hoping for a win but a draw won’t be the worst result in the world.

De Gea

Wan-Bissaka - Varane - Martinez - Shaw

McTominay - Fred

Antony - B.Fernandes - Rashford

Weghorst​

Heaton, Dalot, Maguire, Malacia, Mainoo, Sabitzer, Pellistri, Sancho, Elanga

Newcastle United 0-1 Manchester United

Heaton is confirmed injured btw

 

[Drifter]

Bad feeling about this one, but Martial may be back. 2-1

 

[RedDevilRoshi]

Heaton is confirmed injured btw

So he has, thanks for confirming. Post edited now.

 

[londonredmaniac]

We were not great against Fulham for 70 min either.

I am afraid Joelinton and Guimares will dominte the midfield.

We were toss against Fulham for the most part. Absolutely.

We definitely need to see a more controlling and competent performance. We've been getting away with it for weeks.

Hope we are recharged and at it.

 

[jderbyshire]

Fred on later as impact sub? My hope/fantasy was that McFred explode today and dismiss their doubters

Could bring him on later to inject some energy into the midfield (hopefully we'll be winning by that point)

But could start instead of McTominay, I suppose.

I personally don't want to see McFred again, but each to their own.