Newcastle vs Man Utd: Carrick's Reds Look to Extend Unbeaten Streak at St. James' Park
There's something off in the air around the North East tonight, and it's not just the local bakery smells. St. James' Park used to be a fortress where visiting teams came to get roughed up and brought back down to earth. But right now, for the first time since the tough days under Steve Bruce, things have gone sideways at home for Newcastle United. They've dropped their last three straight league games on their own turf. And who's coming to town looking to add to their misery? A Manchester United side that, under returning hero Michael Carrick, suddenly can't seem to lose.
The Geordie Slump vs. The Carrick Carnival
Let's be real—if you'd offered a Manchester United fan a top-three spot back in January when Rúben Amorim was shown the door, they'd have jumped at it. But here we are in March, and the Red Devils are sitting pretty. Carrick hasn't just steadied the ship; he's turned it into a speedboat. Unbeaten in 11 league games now, with six wins in seven since he took over as full-time interim boss. They're clawing back points for fun—no team has recovered more points from losing positions in 2026 than United.
Across the tunnel, it's a whole different story. Eddie Howe looks like a guy whose morning coffee went cold. The Magpies have lost five of their last six in the Premier League. They're sitting 13th, closer to the relegation scrap than the Champions League spots they were rubbing shoulders with not long ago. The 3-2 loss to Everton last weekend was a classic case of 'Typical Newcastle'—fight back to equalize twice, then concede again two minutes later. Howe called it "unacceptable," and he's bang on.
Selection Headaches and the Sickness Bug
You'd think picking a team for a mid-table side would be straightforward, but Howe's got a crisis on his hands. There's a stomach bug going around the training ground. Nick Woltemade, the big German striker, is a major question mark after catching it, though Jacob Ramsey looks like he's shaken his off. To make matters worse, Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Miley, and Fabian Schär are all sidelined. That's the heart of the midfield and a defensive anchor out. Tough break.
For United, Carrick might need to reshuffle the deck again. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were forced off against Palace, but word from the gaffer is it's more illness than injury, so they might be in with a chance. If not, young Ayden Heaven could get another look. Up front, you'd be crazy to sit Benjamin Šeško. Seven goals in his last eight, including that towering header to sink Crystal Palace? The guy's on fire.
Why the Toon Army Still Believes
Now, here's the catch for United fans. St. James' Park under the lights is a whole different beast. And if there's one thing this Newcastle side has done consistently this season, it's show up for the big games. They've already beaten Manchester City at home, taken points off Chelsea, and only late goals stopped them from snagging results against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Plus, the history books don't favour the visitors. United are winless in their last four trips to Tyneside and have lost the last three Premier League games there. That 4-1 drubbing last April still gives Red Devils defenders nightmares.
The Key Battles
If Joelinton is fit enough to go, his battle with Casemiro in the middle of the park will be worth the price of admission alone. The Brazilian bulldozer against the crafty veteran—it's heavyweight stuff.
Out wide, Anthony Gordon will be licking his lips at the chance to take on Diogo Dalot. Gordon's European form has been brilliant, but he's gone a bit quiet in the league. If he can spark something, Newcastle has a pulse. For United, it's all about Bruno Fernandes. The skipper is chasing down Beckham's record of 15 assists in a season (he's sitting at 13), and if he can connect with Šeško's head or Matheus Cunha's runs, the Geordie defence is in for a long night.
Predicted XIs (According to the bookies' notes)
Newcastle (4-3-3): Pope; Trippier, Thiaw, Botman, Hall; Joelinton, Tonali, Willock; Barnes, Woltemade (if fit), Gordon.
Man Utd (4-2-3-1): Lammens; Dalot, Yoro, Maguire, Mazraoui; Casemiro, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Šeško.
The Verdict
Form says United. History says Newcastle. Gut feeling says this has 2-2 written all over it. But Carrick's side have that knack for finding a way to win now, even when they're not at their best. If Newcastle's shaky defence—they've conceded 42 goals this season, which is rough for a team of this quality—switches off for even a second, Šeško or Fernandes will make them pay.
I figure the home crowd will roar them back into it, but that defence just can't be trusted. Newcastle 1, Manchester United 2. The honeymoon in Manchester rolls on.
How to Watch in Canada
For Canadian fans lucky enough to catch the match on a weekday morning, you can catch all the action live. Kick-off is at 7:15 am ET / 4:15 am PT. Check your local listings for broadcast details.
- Fixture: Newcastle United vs Manchester United
- Date: Thursday, March 5 (ET)
- Time: 7:15 am (ET) / 4:15 am (PT)
- Venue: St. James' Park
- Broadcast: Check local listings