Newcastle vs Man Utd: Carrick’s Reds Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run at Fortress St. James’
There’s a funny smell coming from the North East tonight, and it ain’t the Greggs pastries. St. James’ Park used to be a fortress where you’d send a team to get a bloody nose and a reality check. But right now, for the first time since the dark days of Steve Bruce, the wheels have come off at home for Newcastle United. They’ve lost their last three on the bounce in the league on their own patch. And who comes to town looking to pile on the misery? A Manchester United side that, under the prodigal son Michael Carrick, suddenly can’t stop winning.
The Geordie Slump vs. The Carrick Carnival
Let’s be honest, if you’d offered a Manchester United fan a top-three spot back in January when Rúben Amorim walked the plank, they’d have snatched 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 the interim gig full-time. They’re clawing back 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 brown ale is warm. The Magpies have lost five of their last six in the Premier League. They’re sat 13th, closer to the drop zone than the Champions League spots they were rubbing shoulders with not so long ago. The 3-2 loss to Everton last weekend was a classic case of ‘Typical Newcastle’—equalise twice, then concede again two minutes later. Howe called it "unacceptable," and he’s not wrong.
Selection Headaches and the Sickness Bug
You’d think picking a team for a mid-table side would be easy, but Howe has got a crisis on his hands. There’s a sickness bug doing the rounds at the training ground. Nick Woltemade, the big German striker, is a major doubt after copping it, though Jacob Ramsey looks like he’s shaken his off. To make matters worse, Bruno Guimarães, Lewis Miley, and Fabian Schär are all crocked. That’s the engine room and the defensive general 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 gaffer is it’s more illness than injury, so they might be in with a shout. 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 bloke’s on fire.
Why the Toon Army Still Believes
Now, here’s the rub for United fans. St. James’ Park under the lights is a different beast. And if there’s one thing this Newcastle side has done consistently this season, it’s turn up for the big boys. They’ve already beaten Manchester City at home, taken points off Chelsea, and only late goals stopped them from nicking results against Liverpool and Arsenal.
Plus, the history books are cruel to 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 old fox—it’s heavyweight stuff.
Out wide, Anthony Gordon will be licking his lips at the chance to run at Diogo Dalot. Gordon’s European form has been mint, 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 skipper is hunting down Beckham’s record of 15 assists in a season (he’s on 13), and if he can find 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 nasty 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 shambolic 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 Oz
For the Aussies lucky enough to be off the leash on a Thursday morning, you can catch all the action live and exclusive on Optus Sport. Kick-off is a very civilised 7:15 am AEDT. Get the kettle on.
- Fixture: Newcastle United vs Manchester United
- Date: Thursday, 5 March (AEDT)
- Time: 7:15 am (AEDT)
- Venue: St. James' Park
- Broadcast: Optus Sport