For the first time since the emphatic victory over Leeds almost a month ago, United are back at Old Trafford. 12 years and 118 days on from his previous appearance for the club, Cristiano Ronaldo is set to make his second debut for United in front of a packed crowd. Unfortunately - due to the blatantly outdated '3pm blackout' law in the UK - the match is legally unavailable to English viewers.
Only Spurs have picked up maximum points in the league so far this season; United stand third, behind West Ham and ahead of both Chelsea and Liverpool (all on seven points with a goal difference of five). It has been unconvincing from the reds since the Leeds victory midway through August, dropping points to Southampton before undeservedly beating dominant Wolves by a single goal prior to the international break.
Though form on home turf was scrutinised last term, United are currently on a streak of scoring in 14 consecutive Premier League home matches (netting 40 times). Of their previous 35 matches in the competition, the reds have only lost three times.
Thankfully, United came through the international break more or less unscathed. Jadon Sancho has overcome the knock which saw him withdraw from the England squad - the only issue endured during the two week period. Spotted at the team hotel yesterday, Anthony Elanga is back with the squad following a knock.
There was no sign of Edinson Cavani arriving at the team hotel, however, though this doesn’t entirely rule him out of this afternoon's match. Fred was also absent, although affected Brazilian players are now cleared to play by FIFA after their nation’s FA attempted to impose suspensions (after English clubs failed to release players for international duty due to restriction concerns).
Scott McTominay has stepped up his recovery, but it looks unlikely he’ll feature having not been spotted by photographers. In the meantime, Alex Telles and Marcus Rashford are yet to return to the fold, whilst Amad seemingly remains out for another month or so. Dean Henderson is progressing well but is yet to return, with Phil Jones similarly still unable to make the squad - the pair may feature for the under-23s in the not too distant future.
The visitors, who participate in their 1000th Premier League match today, have been riddled with injuries. Top scorer Callum Wilson has been ruled out, whilst Ryan Fraser suffered an injury on international duty with Scotland. Paul Dummett and Jonjo Shelvey are unavailable, though Isaac Hayden is closing on a return. Karl Darlow is training following a period of absence, whilst fellow goalkeeper Martin Dubravka remains sidelined; third choice Freddie Woodman has been deputising. Miguel Almiron should be available following being caught up in the same predicament as Fred, with the Paraguayan FA taking a similar stance on the failure to release players on international duty.
It has been a dismal start to the season for Newcastle, with only a single point gained thus far seeing them 17th - enduring their second worst start to a Premier League campaign after three matches. They lost their opener to West Ham at St James' Park, before tasting defeat on the road to Aston Villa. It became three defeats from three against those who sport claret home shirts, with the Magpies falling short to Burnley on penalties after a goalless draw in the Carabao Cup. They finally obtained their first points prior to the international break, matching what United took away from their meeting with Southampton; Allan Saint-Maximan thought he'd won the game in injury time, only for James Ward-Prowse to convert for 2-2 from the spot in the 96th minute. Speaking of spot kicks, Newcastle have conceded one in every league match so far this season.
It was 12th place for the north-eastern side last season, failing to take even a point from United. The reds came from behind to win 4-1 on the road after a late flurry of goals, before winning 3-1 on home turf thanks to goals from Marcus Rashford, Dan James and Bruno Fernandes.
Steve Bruce has only beaten United once in 26 managerial meetings with his former playing side, losing 11 of 12 away fixtures against the reds. United have only lost once in their last 36 league meetings with Newcastle, winning 26 times during that period. Despite scoring first in six of the last eight league meetings, the Magpies have only won twice in that time.
It should be some occasion at Old Trafford!
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