PREVIEW: Manchester United look to strengthen European credentials against Newcastle | OneFootball

Manchester United aim to strengthen their Champions League credentials in their visit to St. James’ Park to face misfiring Newcastle tomorrow evening.

United moved into third in the Premier League table courtesy of a narrow 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last time out, that saw Maxence Lecroix sent off for a professional foul after opening the scoring in the first half.

Meanwhile, the Magpies sit 13th in the table and will be eager for immediate improvement after a difficult run of five defeats in six top-flight fixtures, losing 3-2 at home to Everton on Saturday.

If Michael Carrick secures his seventh win in eight games since his debut as interim boss against rivals Manchester City, the Red Devils could go as many as six points clear of Liverpool in fifth and five behind their city neighbors.

But coming away from Newcastle with all three points is made all the more vital ahead of their all-important clash against Aston Villa at Old Trafford next week.

Carrick is unbeaten in seven matches since taking over from Ruben Amorim in January, and hopes to boost his chances of being named the next United manager hired on a permanent basis at the end of the season.

His side have come on leaps and bounds since his returning to Manchester, earning hard fought victories during his notably short period in charge.

But the Red Devils have not won at St James’ Park since October 2020, but they head into the campaign unbeaten in five Premier League away matches.

Manchester United last beat Newcastle 1-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day and will be hoping do to the double over Eddie Howe’s team for the first time since the 2020/21 season.

The injury list is growing for Carrick as Luke Shaw was brought off injured during the Crystal Palace match following a knock to his foot with Harry Maguire is also a doubt.

The Magpies can take confidence after beating Qarabag 3-2 in the second leg of their Champions League knockout round playoff on Tuesday and will face Barcelona in the round of 16.

Under Eddie Howe, Newcastle have conceded eight goals at home to Aston Villa, Brentford and the Toffees alone.

The last time the sides met at St James’ Park was in April last year where United suffered a 4-1 defeat.

The two teams have met on 161 occasions, with United winning 80 meetings to Newcastle’s 41, with 40 matches ending in a draw.

Newcastle will be without Jacob Ramsey, Lewis Miley, Tivo Livramento and Bruno Guimaraes, all sidelined with injuries.

The match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and kicks off at 20:15 (GMT).