Newcastle continue chase for Europe berth at reeling Man United

MANCHESTER, England : Newcastle United continue their chase of a Champions League berth when they visit slumping Manchester United in the Premier League on Monday in a battle between teams heading in opposite directions in the table.

Eddie Howe's Newcastle climbed to fifth in the table with their feisty 3-0 thrashing of Aston Villa on Boxing Day. They are unbeaten in five of their last six matches, outscoring their three most recent league opponents - Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Villa - by a combined 11-0.

"We're shooting for whatever we can shoot for," Howe said about a Champions League berth. "We'll take small steps, we'll go game-by-game, but I'm really heartened by how the team is playing.

"I think we're winning strongly at the moment, we're not winning by luck. I think there's been a definite upturn in our general performance. We look good defensively and we look good in attack – but of course we need to keep our standards very high."

United are languishing in 14th place in the table, closer to relegation than the top four, having lost four of their last five games including a 2-0 loss to Wolverhampton Wanderers on Thursday.

Along with their crisis on the pitch, there has been controversy off it with new manager Ruben Amorim has left striker Marcus Rashford out of the squad for the last four matches.

"We have to be the same professionals, the same guys, winning or losing. Losing, I have to be stronger. I will continue with my idea until the end," Amorim said, about his decision for omit the 27-year-old.

Amorim's side will be missing Bruno Fernandes after the captain was shown a red card on Thursday, and Manuel Ugarte, who will be sidelined after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season.

Manchester City are