Manchester United vs Newcastle United
There’s only one place to start with this one!
It’s been THE story of the football world for nearly a fortnight and everything else – even an abandoned match in South America – has played second fiddle.
Now it’s virtually time for the dream of so many to become a reality.
Oh to be a Manchester United fan at Old Trafford on Saturday when Cristiano Ronaldo appears for the first time (the second time around) in the Premier League.
Whether as a starter, a substitute or sitting in the stands for the first time since his return to the club, all eyes will be on a true icon of the game.
For Newcastle, few expect anything.
They have one point from three games, appear a club with an unhappy fan base and will be deemed by many to be uninvited guests to a party.
Yet could they become party-poopers?!
Talking Points
While the majority of fans will turn up expecting home Premier League 2021 highlights, Newcastle can’t necessarily be classified as lambs to the slaughter given they won at Everton and Leicester last term, as well as drawing at Liverpool and Spurs.
At the same time, they could be Jekyll n’ Hyde. Remember, the Toon also lost at relegated Sheffield United and failed to beat West Brom – who also went down – on their travels.
On saying that, United had similar results against the strugglers last term, even though they secured the runners-up spot in the table.
Steve Bruce deserves a warm welcome back to Old Trafford as a former captain who played a key part in United’s first three Premier League triumphs, along with other silverware. Yet given the other homecoming that may be an afterthought!
At the start of the season I said he deserved the backing of supporters on Tyneside, despite being universally unpopular for few other reasons than not being his predecessor Rafa Benitez.
I also said that same support should remember they are not entitled to success and would be better ensuring their ire is fully focused on the person really responsible for their anger, owner Mike Ashley.
Of course, my argument has not held much sway with the Toon making such a poor start to the new campaign, especially as they conceded a stoppage-time penalty equaliser in their last outing at home to Southampton which saw them remain winless.
Realistically then, the world expects a triumphant Ronaldo return and a Manchester United victory.
It should be some atmosphere – at least if it goes according to the script.
History
This fixture produced one of the most exciting comebacks I’ve ever witnessed on duty for SBOTOP.
It was October 2018 and then-United boss Jose Mourinho was under pressure after a poor start to the season.
That pressure grew tenfold when the Magpies netted twice in the opening 10 minutes to briefly silence all but a corner of Old Trafford.
The stirring fightback that followed in the final 20 minutes, resulting in Alexis Sanchez’s last-gasp winner, brought special scenes to those of a Red and White affiliation.
Although they were fairly close on that occasion, you have to go back to 2013 for the last time the Toon triumphed on United turf – a day when Yohan Cabaye netted the only goal of the game.
Before that, they last won at Old Trafford in 1972 so their record isn’t the best.
Last season, United enjoyed a league double over the Geordies, including a 3-1 win in this corresponding fixture when Marcus Rashford and Allan Saint-Maximin traded first half goals before the recently departed Daniel James and a Bruno Fernandes penalty sealed the points for the hosts.
Overall, United have 89 wins in this fixture with 43 Newcastle successes and 39 meetings ending level.
Betting Tip
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Manchester United vs Newcastle United | Total Goals 2-3 @ 2.23 |
| September 11, 22:00 (GMT+8) |
The SBOTOP Premier League 2021 betting odds are emphatic.
If Newcastle cause a surprise the pay day will be tasty as the Toon Army odds are 1X2 @ 11.50, Asian Handicap +1.75 @ 2.16, with even the draw out as far as @ 6.40.
The contrast with the hosts is clear. You can back the Red Devils 1X2 @ 1.21 and Asian Handicap – 2.25 @ 2.31.
This fixture has traditionally produced goals and more are expected judging by the odds of over 3.50 goals @ 2.28, total goal 2-3 @ 2.23 and 4-6 @ 2.44, compared to 0-1 @ 5.60.
A repeat of last season’s home success – correct score 3-1 – is on offer @ 9.25. But I am going to go to predict 2-3 total goals @ 2.23.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
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Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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