No small games in this league anymore and on the back of Tottenham breaking a 23 year hex at Old Trafford last week all eyes will be in Sir Alex to confirm that the Govan man’s hairdryer is still in perfect working order.
Alan Pardew’s lot have had mixed form so far themselves and will undoubtedly told himself that the Spurs result is a great indicator that they can travel with a mind to really get something out of this game.
Man United’s backline has conceded first in six of their nine games this season and been subject to much criticism. Tottenham put three past the red devils in a famous victory at Old Trafford last weekend, and on Tuesday in the Champions League, Fergie’s side again conceded first to Romanian minnows F.C Cluj.
With key defender Nemanja Vidic sidelined another six weeks, and Phil Jones unable to train until next month, a change in personnel has not been an option for Ferguson. The United boss has had to rely on the partnership of Johnny Evans and Rio Ferdinand who have both been accused of poor performances, as well as youngsters such as Scott Wooton.
Manchester United (from): De Gea, Lindegaard, Rafael, Buttner, Evra, Ferdinand, Evans, Wootton, Keane, Powell, Cleverley, Anderson, Fletcher, Nani, Carrick, Scholes, Giggs, Tunnicliffe, Lingard, Hernandez, Rooney, Welbeck, Van Persie, Kagawa.
Newcastle (from): Harper, Alnwick, Simpson, Tavernier, Ferguson, Perch, Williamson, Santon, Tiote, Cabaye, Gutierrez, Ben Arfa, Anita, Bigirimana, Gosling, Marveaux, Obertan, Vuckic, Abeid, Amalfitano, Sammy Ameobi, Ba, Cisse, Shola Ameobi, Campbell.
Referee: H Webb Assistants: M Mullarkey, D Cann Fourth Official: K Friend
