Manchester United host Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Sunday, and it will be a huge fixture for both sides and their top four hopes.
The Magpies have been flying high, sitting just one point & place below Manchester United going into the weekend, the two sides in fifth and sixth respectively.
Newcastle perhaps have an advantage in that they have had eight days since their last fixture, Erik ten Hag’s men of course playing on Thursday night in a hard-fought win over Omonia.
Advert
Newcastle, of course, have a far stronger side than the Cypriot outfit, and will pose a tougher test for United’s players.
Here, UtdDistrict highlight two players to look out for in this game:
Manchester United: Marcus Rashford
Despite not scoring in either match, the last two games have not only seen Marcus Rashford produce his best all-round performances of the season but maybe his best since before that tragic back injury in 2020.
Rashford has been absolutely electric, seeming to make something happen almost every single time the ball comes to his feet.
Advert
His speed looks back to its peak level, and his dribbling has been smooth and dangerous. He has created shots for himself and others excellently too.
With Qatar on his mind more than ever, a strong showing against fellow countryman Kieran Trippier should catch the recently lazy eyes of Gareth Southgate.
Newcastle United: Bruno Guimarães
One of the finest midfielders in the world right now, and proving it every single week in league play, Bruno Guimarães has made Manchester United look stupid not going for him at just 40 million.
Advert
Defensively dominant, excellent in possession and even scoring a brace in his last game, Guimarães has absolutely everything.
He is the very heart of Newcastle’s team, and top of Erik ten Hag’s to-do list needs to be working out how to stop him because if you stop him, you can stop Newcastle. If you let him play, it won’t go unpunished.
Featured Image Credit: AlamyTopics: Manchester United, Marcus Rashford, Newcastle United