Newcastle Toons
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Newcastle United should respect, but not fear Manchester United

By Durim Halimi

LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Joelinton and Emil Krafth of Newcastle United react during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images)
LEICESTER, ENGLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Joelinton and Emil Krafth of Newcastle United react during the Premier League match between Leicester City and Newcastle United at The King Power Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Leicester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Nathan Stirk/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United have a lot of issues to resolve before Sunday, but the same can be said for Manchester United.

Newcastle United are coming off their worst loss in years and they find themselves in the bottom three with five points from seven games. Manchester United are also struggling to fulfill their objectives of playing Champions League football next season as the Red Devils are currently 10th in the standings with nine points from seven games.

Manchester United are undoubtedly the favorites to win at St. James’ Park on Sunday and they will win if Steve Bruce doesn’t alter his tactics and lineup. The biggest problem for Newcastle United is the players’ lack of motivation and urgency lately, however, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is dealing with the same issue in his squad. For this reason, Newcastle United should respect, but not be afraid of a talented Manchester United side that is lacking confidence.

No Ultra-Defensive Football

Yes, playing ultra-defensive football did help the Toon steal three miraculous points against Tottenham, but it has failed the team in other games. Now I am not saying that the Magpies should go back to the Entertainers Era and solely focus on attacking while abandoning proper defending, but it’s time to move toward a more balanced formation like a 4-2-3-1.

Players like Marcus Rashford, Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba and Daniel James are all capable of being difference-makers in games, so it’s important to have enough support in the middle of the park to come to the rescue when the back-line is overwhelmed. At the same time, the 4-2-3-1 formation gives the Toon multiple attacking options up top and it gives Joelinton more support to create more chances in front of goal.

light. Related Story. Four players who must start vs. Man Utd

After seven games, the club’s record breaking signing only has one goal to his name and has only taken 13 shots. These numbers are unacceptable, but they can improve rapidly with a more balanced formation. The Magpies have the talent to compete with most teams in the Premier League, but they haven’t found the right setup yet. A draw or even a victory is not out of sight this weekend, but Bruce must be prepared to take some risks going forward. After the 5-0 thrashing last weekend it is quite obvious that tactics and player rotations must change.