NEWCASTLE — Manchester United travel to Newcastle United on Wednesday night with the opportunity to further cement their position in the Premier League’s top three. A victory at St James’ Park would strengthen their hold on third place, while the hosts are desperate to arrest a worrying dip in form.
United Finding Ways To Win Under Carrick
Despite several narrow victories in recent weeks, there is a growing sense of resilience about United under Michael Carrick. Four of his six wins have been secured by a single goal, underlining a side learning how to manage tight contests.
Sunday’s 2-1 comeback triumph over Crystal Palace showcased that determination. United trailed at the break but turned the match around in the second half, aided by Palace being reduced to ten men while leading.
Bruno Fernandes continues to be central to United’s attacking output, contributing seven goals and 13 assists in the league this season. Benjamin Sesko has also hit form at a crucial time, his winner against Palace marking a seventh goal in eight appearances across all competitions.
Although United hold only the sixth-best away record in the division, their recent travels have been quietly effective. They are unbeaten in five away league matches, collecting two wins and three draws during that run.
History, however, offers a note of caution. United have not won at St James’ Park since October 2020 and have lost on each of their last three visits to Tyneside in all competitions.
Newcastle Searching For Stability
Newcastle’s home form, once a pillar of their success under Eddie Howe, has faltered. Saturday’s 3-2 defeat to Everton made it three consecutive Premier League losses on home soil, with eight goals conceded across matches against Aston Villa, Brentford and the Toffees.
That downturn has left the Magpies 13th in the table, seven points adrift of seventh-placed Brentford with ten fixtures remaining. While anticipation builds for a forthcoming Champions League double header against Barcelona, domestic consistency remains a pressing concern.
There have been bright spots, with four wins in their last six games in all competitions. Yet context tempers optimism. Two victories came against Azerbaijani side Qarabag FK, while the others were achieved against a ten-man Villa side and a struggling Tottenham outfit.
With pressure mounting, Howe is expected to rotate his side. Sven Botman could return to the heart of defence in place of Dan Burn. Jacob Ramsey, substituted at half time against Everton due to illness, has resumed training and should be available. Nick Woltemade is a doubt after missing sessions this week, and if passed fit, Howe must decide whether to deploy him in a more advanced role.
Harvey Barnes is pushing for a start on the right flank. Tino Livramento, Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes remain sidelined through injury.
Team News And Possible Lineups
United have concerns of their own. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are both doubts after falling ill, with Shaw also nursing a foot knock. Noussair Mazraoui is on standby at left back, while Lisandro Martinez faces a late fitness test on a calf issue. Should he miss out, Ayden Heaven may provide defensive cover.
Mason Mount could return to the bench after a five match absence, though Carrick may otherwise stick with the side that overcame Palace.
Newcastle United possible XI:
Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Willock, Tonali, Joelinton; Barnes, Woltemade, Gordon
Manchester United possible XI:
Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
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