This feels big. With two games to play, our hopes of a top six finish sit squarely in our own hands as we travel to what once was known as the ‘Theatre of Dreams’, now more noted for its leaky roof and leakier defence.
Wins against Manchester United and Brentford will secure b seasons in Europe, something rarely seen on Tyneside this century. However, a s against Brighton in our last home game of the season means we are now level on points with Chelsea; one of the league’s in-form sides after three wins on the spin.
We know that sixth will secure us some form of European football regardless of the result of the FA Cup final. Magpies’ boss Eddie Howe was punchy about our league standing saying: “We find ourselves in this position, and it is where we deserve to be. Our motivation is to qualify for Europe.”
Old Trafford played host to our brilliant 3-0 win against Man U in the League Cup earlier this season with goals from Miggy Almiron, Lewis Hall and Joe Willock sealing a memorable win in the North West.
Although Howe was quick to say that he was not dwelling too much on past success against the Red Devils.
“That game has no relevance to this one,” he said. “It is a new challenge and I back the players. The players will embrace the pressure and be ready for the game.
“It is a massive fixture, we are coming to the end of the season, we are desperate to do well in the game, we will do everything we can to try and win.
“We don’t underestimate Manchester United; we know how tough it will be. We are under no illusions of the magnitude of this game. It is a time to enjoy the situation we are in.”
Team news
Howe said that both Alex Isak and Callum Wilson did not train at the start of the week because of illness, while also saying that it would be “foolish” to start Joelinton if he wasn’t at his physical best. It remains to be seen if the Brazilian will start, with he and recently injured trio Kieran Trippier, Miguel Almiron and Nick Pope…
Source link : https://www.nufcblog.co.uk/2024/05/14/manchester-united-a-pre-match-thoughts-team-news-possible-line-up-and-prediction/
Author : Joshua Nichol
Publish date : 2024-05-14 18:05:53
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