Heading into the road clash at Newcastle, the 2023-24 Manchester United season is certainly traveling on divergent paths right now. Last night saw yet another debacle in the UEFA Champions League, as Andre Onana and company snatched stalemate from the jaws of victory.
With one UCL clash remaining, and it’s against the toughest team in the group, Bayern Munich, a dead last place finish in the group seems in the cards.
Newcastle United vs Manchester United FYIs
Kickoff: Sat. Dec. 2, 8pm, St. James Park, Newcastle, UK
Starting XI Predictions: Manchester United Newcastle United
Team News: Manchester United Newcastle United
PL Standing, Form: United 6th 24 pts WWWLW Newcastle 7th, 23 pts WLWDW
Google Result Probability: United 25% Draw 25% Newcastle 50%
Transatlantic Passage: How the Premier League Redefined Soccer in America: LINK
Oh well, so much for continental competition this term, and honestly, United’s showing in the Champions League has been a disaster from the start. Their recent performances in the Premier League are in stark contrast. Winners of five of their last six (with the only other result a loss to the reigning treble winners), they are now only four points away from the top four. Amazingly, they’re just six points from the top of the table.
This despite getting off to their worst start in the league since 1962. Want more feel-good news?
Look no further than Kobbie Mainoo, who will be pushing for another start here after making the most of his minutes thus far. With Mason Mount, Christian Eriksen and Casemiro all out injured, Mainoo has stepped up to fill the massive void in the holding midfield.
He’s even leapfrogged deadline day signing Sofyan Amrabat in the pecking order, so kudos to the kid for getting it done. Keep up the great work!
Man United Starting XI Prediction at Newcastle United
Andre Onana; Diogo Dalot, Harry Maguire, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw; Scott McTominay, Kobbie Mainoo; Alejandro Garnacho, Bruno Fernandes, Marcus Rashford; Rasmus Hojlund
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Sports Bank. He’s also the author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” and “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He’s written for numerous publications, including the New York Daily News, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune. He regularly appears on NTD News and WGN News Now, while writing for the International Baseball Writers Association of America. You can follow the website on Twitter.