Manchester United host Newcastle United on Wednesday night with both sides still in the running to achieve Europa League qualification via the league. For the hosts to do so, a win is a must as they sit three points behind Newcastle, and with a far inferior goal difference, all three points are a must if they hope to take the fight into the final day of the season.

The Reds enter Wednesday in struggling form, with back to back defeats in the form of a 4-0 embarrassment at Crystal Palace and a lacklustre 1-0 loss to league leaders Arsenal.

Newcastle however will feel confident after finding form at the perfect time, with 5-1 and 4-1 victories coming against Sheffield United and Burnley respectively, before a 1-1 draw against Brighton at the weekend.

Head to head

The two sides have met twice already this season with Newcastle doing the double over United. They first met in the Carabao Cup Round of 16 where Newcastle knocked United out with a 3-0 win at Old Trafford before a 1-0 win at St James’ Park.

Given United’s recent form of two losses, two draws and one win in their last five Premier League matches as well as six losses at home this season; Newcastle will surely feel confident they can pull off a hat-trick of victories against them this season coming into Old Trafford.

Newcastle United have an aggregate of 6-0 against Manchester United in the last three matches (all competitions). #NUFC

Back to when Lewis Hall scored his first goal for Newcastle against them, what a goal! ⚽️ pic.twitter.com/QWNJcHZym6

— FtblJoe (@FtblJoe) May 14, 2024

Player to watch

With five goals in Newcastle’s last five games, Alexander Isak is my player to watch on Wednesday night. Sitting third among Premier League goal scorers with 20, it would be safe to bet on him adding to that tally against a Manchester United defence hampered with injuries and poor performances from Casemiro and Jonny Evans.

However Eddie Howe has said Isak’s availability is in question, despite featuring at the weekend against Brighton, due to illness. If all goes well in Tuesday’s training then he will likely play, and will be the danger man going against United’s shoddy defence.

Eddie Howe says Newcastle are assessing the fitness of Callum Wilson and Alexander Isak ahead of tomorrow's game with Manchester United 👇 pic.twitter.com/iYL4xzLINB

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 14, 2024

Team news

Manchester United look set to receive a boost to their defence with Lisandro Martinez likely to be available for the first time since March, should Tuesday afternoon’s training go well. Marcus Rashford, Bruno Fernandes and Willy Kambwala all remain in doubt for Newcastle, despite the latter making a return to the pitch as a substitute against Arsenal.

For Newcastle, Alexander Isak as mentioned above is a doubt due to illness, as well as striker Callum Wilson. Nick Pope may also return to the lineup and England full-back Kieran Trippier is in line to start after making a substitute appearance against Brighton.

Have pinged Trippier on Insta asking if he starts. Hopefully he’ll reply before the deadline 🙏🙏🙏#FPL #Newcastle pic.twitter.com/blNlOb0CaR

— Parth Handa (@ParthHanda1) May 11, 2024

Match Officials

Referee: Rob Jones. Assistants: Ian Hussin and Lee Betts. Fourth Official: Keith Stroud. VAR: Jarred Gillett. Assistant VAR: Eddie Smart.