Manchester United vs Newcastle United is one of the most infamous fixtures in Premier League history. Whether it be the 5-0 that sent St. James’ Park into a frenzy on that famous night in 1996 or the dramatic Eric Cantona winner in the clash on Tyneside a few months before, it’s certainly an evocative game.
Which is what makes the next game after the international break so interesting. Newcastle may no longer be the force they were in the mid-1990s (what an understatement) but beating Manchester United is always something savoured by the Geordie faithful. Indeed, last season’s instalment saw Matty Longstaff score a wonder goal in front of the Gallowgate End on his Premier League debut in what was a momentous win for Steve Bruce – his first as a manager against the club he captained to such great success.
Clearly, the Red Devils aren’t what they were either. With that in mind, as they come off one of their worst ever results in Premier League history, Newcastle should smell blood. This is another great opportunity to kick-on and claim another scalp on home soil and Bruce has the tools do it.
What October the 17th’s visitors lack is pace. Neither Harry Maguire, Eric Bailly or Victor Lindelof look assured when players are running at them, so it would make sense to attack from central areas. So, to give his side the best chance of winning, Allan Saint-Maximin should operate as the No.10 in behind Callum Wilson. While that may not be the Frenchman’s natural position (he’s only operated there 18 times over the course of his career) his pace and dribbling ability (he’s already averaging 2.3 dribbles per game) can help tear United in two. After all, one must only think back to his mazy run in the same fixture last year, forcing a number of opposition defenders to swarm him before releasing Jetro Willems who teed up Longstaff.
Joelinton – much as he did against Spurs – could then offer support from the right, using his pace and power to rough up either a flaky Luke Shaw or give Alex Telles a debut to remember in terms of physicality at the very least, potentially opening further space.
So far this season (according to WhoScored) Newcastle have attacked centrally 25% of the time when going forward but, for this game, Bruce needs to hand Saint-Maximin a freer role in the centre of attack. He’s proven he give United a scare before, let’s see what he can do now he’s established himself even more.