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Newcastle must take advantage of Manchester United’s crisis

By Durim Halimi

NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on August 31, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images)
NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE, ENGLAND - AUGUST 31: Fabian Schar of Newcastle United celebrates with teammates after scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match between Newcastle United and Watford FC at St. James Park on August 31, 2019 in Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom. (Photo by Ian MacNicol/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United are confused, but Manchester United are in shambles. If the Magpies can sort out their issues they can definitely upset the Red Devils this weekend.

Most people expected Newcastle United to struggle and compete in a tight relegation battle for the third consecutive season. In other words, the Magpies are mainly facing pressure from their supporters to perform and avoid relegation. Manchester United, on the other hand, were expected to fight for a spot among the top four, but the Red Devils have only managed to win two of their first seven games this season and this is catching headlines in the media.

In addition to their domestic crisis, Manchester United haven’t looked all that confident in the Europa League either. A minimal victory over Astana, a team from Kazakhstan, and a 0-0 draw with AZ Alkmaar (Netherlands) doesn’t do much for improving players’ confidence.

Steve Bruce is in the hot seat on Tyneside after Newcastle United showed no effort in back-to-back games against Brighton and Leicester City, but Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is on the verge of being sacked. The pressure to get a result on Sunday truly rests on the Norwegian’s shoulders.

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United walks off the pitch after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on September 30, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 30: Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Manager of Manchester United walks off the pitch after the Premier League match between Manchester United and Arsenal FC at Old Trafford on September 30, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images) /

In my opinion, Solskjaer is only one embarrassing loss away from being sacked as their manager, and that is why Newcastle United must go all out in this clash. On paper, Manchester United win this game ten times out of ten, but a broken mentality and frustration in the locker room undoubtedly hinder a team’s concentration and performances. To make matters worse for Solskjaer ahead of a game that his side must win, some of his key players, such as Anthony Martial, Paul Pogba and Luke Shaw, are doubtful for Sunday.

This is literally the best time for any team to face Manchester United at home. The only problem is that Newcastle United have major problems of their own to resolve. The Magpies are the most unpredictable team in the league at the moment, so no one knows what to expect.

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In order for Newcastle United to properly take advantage of Manchester United’s current situation, Bruce needs to start his most motivated players, four of which I recommended this week, and scrap his ultra-defensive tactics. Now, I am not predicting the Red Devils will lose because of the crisis surrounding their club, but it would be a mistake to label them as heavy favorites for Sunday’s game.