Newcastle vs Man Utd: Carrick’s Red Devils Eye Another Win at St. James’ Park
There’s a strange feeling in the air around the North East tonight, and it’s not just the smell of the local snacks. St. James’ Park used to be a fortress where visiting teams would come for a tough fight and a reality check. But right now, for the first time since the tough days under Steve Bruce, things have gone a bit pear-shaped at home for Newcastle United. They’ve lost their last three league games in a row on their own ground. And who’s coming to town, looking to add to their misery? A Manchester United side that, under the returning hero Michael Carrick, suddenly can’t seem to stop winning.
The Geordie Struggle vs. The Carrick Show
Let’s be honest, if you’d offered a Manchester United fan a top-three spot back in January when Rúben Amorim left, they’d have snapped your hand off. 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 from seven since he took over the job full-time. They’re picking up points for fun—no one has recovered more points from losing positions in 2026 than United.
Across the tunnel, it’s a different story. Eddie Howe looks like a man who’s just been told his favourite drink is warm. The Magpies have lost five of their last six in the Premier League. They’re sitting 13th, closer to the relegation zone than the Champions League spots they were mixing it with not so long ago. The 3-2 loss to Everton last weekend was a classic case of ‘Typical Newcastle’—they equalised twice, then conceded again two minutes later. Howe called it "unacceptable," and he’s spot on.
Team News and the Sickness Bug
You’d think picking a team for a mid-table side would be easy, but Howe has a proper crisis on his hands. There’s a sickness bug going around the training ground. Nick Woltemade, the big German striker, is a major doubt 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 injured. That’s the heart of midfield and a key defender out. Ouch.
For United, Carrick might have to shuffle the pack again. Harry Maguire and Luke Shaw were forced off against Palace, but word from the boss is it’s more illness than injury, so they might be in with a chance. If not, young Ayden Heaven might get another look in. Up front, you’d be mad to drop Benjamin Šeško. Seven goals in his last eight, including that towering header to sink Crystal Palace? The lad’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 different beast altogether. And if there’s one thing this Newcastle side has done consistently this season, it’s turn up for the big games. They’ve already beaten Manchester City at home, taken points off Chelsea, and only late goals stopped them from snatching results against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Plus, the history books don’t make good reading for 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 thrashing last April still gives Red Devils defenders nightmares.
The Key Battles
If Joelinton is fit enough to start, his battle with Casemiro in the middle of the park will be worth the price of admission alone. The Brazilian bulldozer up against the experienced fox—it’s proper heavyweight stuff.
Out wide, Anthony Gordon will be licking his lips at the chance to take on Diogo Dalot. Gordon’s form in Europe has been top-notch, but he’s gone a bit quiet in the league. If he can spark, Newcastle have a pulse. For United, it’s all about Bruno Fernandes. The captain is closing in on Beckham’s record of 15 assists in a season (he’s on 13), and if he can pick out Šeško’s head or Matheus Cunha’s runs, the Geordie defence will be in for a long night.
Predicted XIs (According to the bookies' scribbles)
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. The heart says this has 2-2 written all over it. But Carrick’s side have that handy habit of finding a way to win now, even when they’re not at their best. If Newcastle’s dodgy defence—they’ve conceded 42 goals this season, which is pretty poor for a team of this quality—switches off for one second, Šeško or Fernandes will punish them.
I reckon 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 India
For the Indian fans lucky enough to be up early on a Thursday morning, you can catch all the action live. Kick-off is at 1:45 am IST. You can watch it live on the Star Sports Network and stream it on Disney+ Hotstar. Grab your coffee and get set for a late night!
- Fixture: Newcastle United vs Manchester United
- Date: Thursday, 5 March
- Time: 1:45 am (IST)
- Venue: St. James' Park, Newcastle
- Broadcast: Star Sports Network / Disney+ Hotstar