Can Manchester United Turn Things Around?
Preview: Manchester United vs. Newcastle United
The crisis deepens in Manchester, engulfing both the blue and red sides of the city. Manchester United's recent struggles were epitomized in their midweek defeat to relegation-threatened Wolves at Molineux. The match went awry as captain Bruno Fernandes received two yellow cards, leaving his team to play an entire second half with ten men. United’s inconsistency at Old Trafford is glaring, with four wins and four losses in their opening nine home league games this season.
Adding to their woes, Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte are suspended, while Victor Lindelöf, Mason Mount, and Luke Shaw remain sidelined through injury. However, Manchester United’s dominance over Newcastle at home is noteworthy, with just one defeat in their last 39 league meetings at Old Trafford.
Newcastle, on the other hand, are flying high with three consecutive victories, racking up an impressive 11-0 aggregate scoreline. Following back-to-back 4-0 wins against Leicester and Ipswich, Eddie Howe’s men dismantled Aston Villa in their last outing. Anthony Gordon set the tone with a stunning goal in the opening minutes, and after Villa were reduced to ten men midway through the first half, Newcastle cruised to victory. Alexander Isak is chasing history, aiming to become only the second Newcastle player to score in six successive Premier League matches. However, the visitors have their own injury concerns, with Sven Botman, Emil Krafth, Jamaal Lascelles, Nick Pope, and Callum Wilson unavailable for selection.
Match Facts
- Manchester United’s only defeat in their last 39 home league matches against Newcastle was a 1-0 loss in December 2013 under David Moyes.
- Newcastle triumphed 3-0 at Old Trafford in a League Cup fourth-round tie last season.
Manchester United
- United risk losing three consecutive league matches at home for the first time since December 1978 to February 1979.
- They last conceded three or more goals in three successive league fixtures at Old Trafford in October 1962.
- The Red Devils aim to avoid five league defeats in a single month for the first time since September 1962.
- United have only lost their final Premier League game of the year once at Old Trafford, a 3-2 defeat against Blackburn in 2011.
- This will be the first time they finish a calendar year lower than seventh in the league table since 1989, when they were 15th.
- Their current tally of 22 points after 18 matches ensures a new club record for the lowest points total at the halfway stage of a Premier League season, surpassing their previous low of 28 in 2019-20.
Newcastle United
- Newcastle have won four consecutive matches across all competitions with an aggregate score of 14-1.
- The Magpies have not won their final league fixture of a calendar year since 2016 (Championship) or 2014 (Premier League). Their last away win at this time of year came in 1999.
- Eddie Howe is winless in seven Premier League matches as a manager at Old Trafford (D2, L5).
- Jacob Murphy has been instrumental recently, registering three goals and four assists in his last four league appearances.
- Alexander Isak, with 24 Premier League goals in 2024, trails only Cole Palmer and Erling Haaland (both with 26). Isak could emulate Papiss Cissé by scoring in six consecutive Premier League games.
Betting Tips
The odds point towards a high-scoring affair at Old Trafford. Manchester United’s defensive frailty—six goals conceded in their last two home matches—contrasts with Newcastle’s red-hot form in front of goal, having scored 11 times in their last three games.
- BTTS (Both Teams to Score): Odds at 1.49 with Betsson (3 units)
- Goalscorer Bets: Alexander Isak to score (2.25) or Jacob Murphy (4.50) offer promising returns for punters seeking higher payouts.
Verdict: While Manchester United are desperate to halt their downward spiral, Newcastle’s form and firepower make them formidable opponents. With both teams carrying injuries and suspensions, this clash promises drama and goals as the Red Devils look to salvage some pride and Newcastle aim to finish the year on a high.
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