Regrouping

 After total humiliation at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur, it would be an understatement to say Man United has to regroup.

That’s exactly what Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men will try to do against a Newcastle squad that’s not lost in its last three competitive games.

Man United on the other hand has lost two of its three EPL fixtures and was fortunate to come away with three points against Brighton.

Getting defensive

 Defensively the Reds across the board have been an atrocity so far in this young season.

The 11 goals they’ve conceded from three matches puts them tied for second among Premier League teams.

The last game may have been the worst performance yet with some shocking defending that practically gifted Jose Mourinho’s team the match.

Captain Harry Maguire had a particularly tough outing the last time out and was punished by a potent Spurs attack.

Before the foreign transfer window closed United added Alex Telles who will be counted upon to show the poise the backline has lacked so far.

Assuming he’s fit you may see him replacing Luke Shaw in defense.

It’s easy to look at this game and say the Reds need to be a lot better at the back.

Lineup notes

 For United Anthony Martial begins his three-match suspension following his expulsion against Tottenham two weeks ago.

Newcomers Amad Diallo and Edinson Cavani will not be ready to go nor will Phil Jones still struggling to get back to 100% fitness.

The international break comes at a good time for the Magpies who’ve been without several key players due to injury.

Matt Ritchie and Dwight Gayle are out long-term while Martin Dubravka is still regaining fitness.

The good news is it appears Jamaal Lascelles could be ready to return.

How they match up

 Since taking over in the summer of 2019 it’s been a bumpy road for Steve Bruce as manager of Newcastle.

The former Man United defender has 18 wins and 18 losses in 52 games as coach.

So far though his team has more structure and organization this season.

Containing Newcastle striker Callum Wilson is a huge challenge and one player United’s defense will need to be aware of.

The Bournemouth transfer has four goals in four games.

In the middle Allan Saint-Maximin and Miguel Almiron are creative, tricky, and direct.

United will need to be alert as their vision can potentially unhinge an already unstable back four.

Should Donny van de Beek start in midfield he will be trusted to recover balls from United’s end and help cover the dangerous Newcastle midfield.

Without the services of Martial, Rashford and Greenwood will have to pick up the slack.

It’s been a slow start for what was a potent strike force last season for the Reds.

Marcus Rashford is the only one to get his name on the scoresheet so far in the EPL season.

Bruno Fernandes has led the way in midfield for the Reds but will need to improve on his giveaways two weeks ago.

Paul Pogba meanwhile will need to raise his level of play and eliminate the needless fouls he’s conceded in the early going.

Road Warriors

Interestingly both teams are perfect thus far away from home.

Man United’s lone victory this season came right at the end at Falmer Stadium.

Newcastle picked up a 2-0 win at West Ham and drew 1-1 at Tottenham.

Home field has been anything but an advantage for these teams.

Man United have conceded 9 times at Old Trafford in losses to Crystal Palace and Tottenham.

Newcastle’s lone defeat was 3-0 at the hands of Brighton and Hove Albion in the toon.

Head to Head

 In the past five meetings between both clubs, Man United has come away victorious three times.

Last season Newcastle won 1-0 in October 2019 while United trounced the Magpies 4-1 on Boxing Day.

Overall Man United has 87 victories while Newcastle has 43.

Match details

 The kickoff on Saturday is at 8 pm from St. James’ Park. (JSL)