Manchester United have had a very good start to their 2015-16 campaign as they followed up their twin 1-0 victories with a 3-1 victory against Club Brugge in the Champions League qualifying rounds. They looked very neat with their passing and bossed every area of the game in the mid-week and will want to take the same momentum into the game against Newcastle.
The Magpies on the other end are yet to win a game in the league. After they drew their opening game against Southampton, Newcastle lost to Swansea last week and are placed 15th in the Premier League table. McClaren as a manager is still getting to know his squad well but will need his players to step up with the fixtures coming in thick and fast.
The Manchester United vs Newcastle United match will be played on the 22nd of August at the Old Trafford. The kick off is scheduled at 12:45 pm BST (5:15 pm IST)
Team News –
The scorer of the third goal at the mid-week, Marouane Fellaini will be missing this game at the Old Trafford as he will be serving the last of the three match ban he received at the end of last season. Phil Jones is still un-available for selection due to an injury and so is Carrick after picking up a knock in the game against Brugge. Romero still seems to be the first choice keeper amid speculations about the future of David de Gea.
For McClaren, Daryl Janmaat will not be available for selection after being sent off in the last game against Swansea. Florian Thauvin is the new name that has all the fans excited and he may well be given a debut at the Old Trafford. Steven Taylor, Paul Dummett, Emmaniel Riviere and Sylvain Marveaux are ruled out through injury. Siem de Jong has recovered from his troubles and is available for selection for the game.
The biggest positive for United from the Brugge game has been the three goals they scored after having failed to create enough chances in the first two games of the Premier League. Adnan Janzaj is the only goal scorer for the Red Devils this season and the club will want their star players to get on the score sheet as quickly as possible.
Though the first choice keeper has not been selected for either match, United have managed two clean sheets under the Argentine Sergio Romero. He looked impressive in all the games and is an able substitute for David de Gea. Newcastle on the other end just made it to the top flight on the last day of the previous season. They have had some positive news after signing Thauvin from Marseille who might start this game.
The Newcastle defense has been far from settled and has let 2 goals in each of their 2 matches in this season. However, Wijnaldum did score a goal for his new club and the manager will want his players to give their best against United.
Expected Lineups –
Manchester United
Romero, Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw, Schweinsteiger, Schneiderlin, Mata, Januzaj, Depay, Rooney
Newcastle United –
Krul, Williamson, Mbemba, Coloccini, Haidara, Anita, Colback, Taylor, Wijnaldum, Thauvin, Cisse
Prediction –
The biggest positive for United has been their discipline at the back thanks to the solidarity provided by Chris Smalling. The Devils completed their double last season against Newcastle and Newcastle will have to come up with something good if they want to beat this star studded United line-up.
Our Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle United