Preview: Has Manchester United turned a corner?
After every positive display of United, the question always seems to be whether the old United has returned. A positive display in midweek against Bayern will of course see that question asked yet again. United defended tightly and despite conceding the lion’s share of possession at home, managed to spring some surprise attacks on their opponents. They even took the lead through Nemanja Vidic but saw it cancelled out. Nonetheless, David Moyes was appreciated for the tactics he used including bringing on Shinji Kagawa in the second half to counter Bayern’s somewhat limited threats.
United will be without striker Robin Van Persie. Wayne Rooney is also out; he might miss the midweek decider against Bayern too. Chris Smalling and Jonny Evans are both doubtful. Their opponents’ injury roster continues to be filled. Pardew has had to work with a much smaller number of players than he would have liked for most of this season. He will be without Tim Krul, Mathieu Debuchy, Moussa Sissoko and Ryan Taylor. Gabriel Obertan and Loic Remy are doubtful.
The team from Tyneside has lost three of its four previous matches including its last two. Everton absolutely hammered them, scoring three against them while Southampton took them apart in their last match, 4-0. United beat Aston Villa, 4-1, in their previous league outing. Their overall form has been patchy at best as well, due to recent hammerings at the hands of Manchester City and Liverpool.
These two sides played each other in December at Old Trafford. Newcastle got the better of United, taking the game thanks to a goal from a player who is always a threat to any opposition due to his quality, Yohan Cabaye. Now, United has to get a win in St. James’ Park. United is a full ten points behind fourth placed Arsenal. They have to keep winning to have a chance to qualify for the Champions League through the league. Their other option is of course to win the competition itself.
Which do you think is the most likely route for United to return to Europe? Do you think they have turned a corner? Tell us your thoughts below!
Where to watch the match: Live Streams, Live Scores, Start Times, TV Channels:
Watch Newcastle United vs Manchester United live on Saturday, April 5, 2014:
In Canada at 10:00 ET on TSN2, RDS 2, TalkSport Radio
In the UK at 15:00 BST on MUTV Online, TalkSport Radio
In the USA at 10:00 ET on NBCSN, Mun2, NBC Sports Live Extra, TalkSport Radio, SiriusXM FC
Internationally on MUTV Online
Viewers in India can tune into Star Sports 2 India to watch the match.
For the complete TV listings and live scores upon kick-off, visit the Newcastle-United match page.
