Manchester United must avoid something they have not done for three years vs Newcastle

Currently separated by just three points in the Premier League table, there is no underestimating the size of Manchester United's clash with Newcastle United at St James' Park on Sunday.

Both sides will resume their respective campaigns following the final international break of the season with the ambition of bolstering their chances of sealing a top-four finish and Champions League qualification for next season. United are currently third in the table on 50 points and Newcastle are fifth on 47.

Newcastle, who have not beaten United since October 2019, signed off for the recent hiatus with back-to-back wins, halting a five-game winless run in the process. Alexander Isak's 93rd minute winner against Nottingham Forest just over a fortnight ago felt like it could be a significant juncture in their quest to finish inside the top-four, meaning they will head into Sunday's showdown with confidence flowing through their veins.

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United, although they also signed off for the international break with successive wins, beating Real Betis and Fulham in the Europa League and FA Cup respectively, will be looking to get their top-four charge back on track on Tyneside after a recent wobble in the Premier League. Erik ten Hag's side have won just three of their last eight league outings and failed to win either of their last two.

United opened their March account by being brushed aside by Liverpool at Anfield, losing 7-0, before being frustrated by Southampton at Old Trafford the following Sunday. Although a goalless draw was not the worst outcome United could have wished for after losing Casemiro to a second red card in three matches in the first half, taking one point from