Newcastle v Manchester United preview
Manchester United travel to St James’ Park on Wednesday evening looking to strengthen their grip on third place in the Premier League table.
Newcastle, meanwhile, return to home action aiming to arrest a downturn that has seen them lose five of their last six top-flight matches.
Michael Carrick’s side have been one of the division’s most consistent performers in recent weeks, collecting 19 points from a possible 21 since mid-January.
Their 2-1 win over Crystal Palace last time out followed a familiar pattern, responding after the break to overturn a deficit and secure another three points.
United’s away record is not among the very best in the division, but they are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches on the road.
However, recent history at St James’ Park presents a challenge, as they have not won there in the league since October 2020 and have lost on their last three visits.
Newcastle’s form at home has dipped at a crucial stage of the season. A 3-2 defeat to Everton last weekend made it three consecutive Premier League losses at St James’ Park, during which they have conceded eight goals.
Those results have left the Magpies 13th in the table and seven points adrift of the top seven with 10 matches remaining.
Newcastle v Manchester United team news
Newcastle could make defensive adjustments, with Sven Botman pushing for a recall. Jacob Ramsey is a doubt after illness, and Eddie Howe must decide whether to deploy Nick Woltemade as the central striker or in a deeper role.
Harvey Barnes is in contention for a starting place, but Tino Livramento, Lewis Miley and Bruno Guimaraes remain sidelined through injury.
Manchester United have a couple of concerns. Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire are doubts after recent illness, with Shaw also nursing a foot issue. Noussair Mazraoui is on standby if required, while Ayden Heaven could provide cover should Lisandro Martinez not be fit following a calf problem.
Mason Mount may return to the squad, though wholesale changes are not expected given the visitors’ recent run of results.
Newcastle v Man United predicted line-ups
Newcastle starting XI: Nick Pope; Kieran Trippier, Malick Thiaw, Dan Burn, Lewis Hall; Jacob Ramsey, Sandro Tonali, Joelinton; Anthony Elanga, Nick Woltemade, Anthony Gordon.
Man United starting XI: Senne Lammens; Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Noussair Mazraoui; Casemiro, Kobbie Mainoo; Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes, Matheus Cunha; Benjamin Sesko.
Where to watch Newcastle v Man United: TV channel, online live stream
Kick-off on Wednesday is at 20:15 (15:15 ET / 12:15 PT). Live TV coverage in the UK is on TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate and the Discovery Plus app.
TNT Sports costs £29.99 a month through Discovery Plus, which includes Eurosport and entertainment and is available on a vast range of devices including smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Newcastle v Manchester United stats
- Newcastle have won their last three home Premier League matches against United, which is as many as they recorded in their previous 18 combined
- The Magpies last had a longer home league winning run against the Red Devils between 1915 and 1931 (10)
- Of Newcastle Premier League wins against United, 36% have come under Eddie Howe (4/11) – the last Magpies manager to win more league games against them was Joe Harvey (6, between 1969 and 1973)
- They have lost two of their last 20 home evening kick-offs (19:00 or later) in the Premier League (W11 D7), succumbing 2-0 to West Ham in November 2024 and 3-2 to Liverpool in August 2025
- The last time Newcastle lost more than three times consecutively at St James’ Park was between August and October 2018 (5)
- Anthony Gordon has scored three goals from 38 shots in the Premier League this season (8% conversion rate), compared to 11 goals from 38 shots across all other competitions this term (29% conversion)
- Having failed to register a goal involvement in any of his first 15 Premier League appearances for Newcastle, Jacob Ramsey has now either scored (2) or assisted (1) in each of his last three. Ramsey has never scored or assisted in four consecutive league games before
- Man United are looking to record a Premier League double over Newcastle for the first time since the 2020/21 campaign; they won 1-0 on Boxing Day thanks to a goal from Patrick Dorgu
- They have recovered nine points from losing positions in the Premier League in 2026, which more than any other side
- One of their last eight league matches in which they have fallen behind has ended in defeat (W3 D4), having lost 10 of their previous 13 when trailing (D3)
- One of United’s last 11 away Premier League games has been a defeat (W5 D5), losing 2-1 at Aston Villa in December
- The Red Devils had won one of their previous 11 on the road before this run (D3 L7)
- Bruno Fernandes has 13 Premier League assists this season, which is the most by a United player in a single campaign since Antonio Valencia in 2011/12. Only David Beckham in 1999/00 (15) and Nani in 2010/11 (14) have ever provided more in a single campaign in the competition for the club
