Manchester United vs Newcastle: Ronaldo might have to wait for his full debut

The first international break of the 2021/22 season is over; English Premier League action is all set to return. In the fourth game of the EPL campaign, Manchester United lock horns with Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.

Ahead of the Manchester United vs Newcastle encounter, here is a preview and prediction of what to expect on the day.

The Red Devils started their campaign with a 5-1 victory against Leeds United but then drew against Southampton 1-1 at St Mary’s. However, United bounced back to winning ways against Wolves as Mason Greenwood’s goal helped the Red Devils take all three points at the Molineux.

The visitors, Newcastle United, collected their first EPL point against Southampton on Matchday 3 only. Prior to that, Steve Bruce’s side lost back-to-back games to West Ham and Aston Villa, respectively.

All English Premier League

All the games followed a similar pattern; after a bright start, the Toon Army failed to keep up the tempo and succumbed to defeat.

Man United are set to miss the services of their industrious midfielder, Fred. Premier League clubs who did not send their Brazilian players for national team duty because of COVID-19 restrictions, Brazil Football Federation has asked FIFA to prevent these clubs from selecting these specific Brazilian players for five days.

The decision is pending as PL clubs have decided to contest the ruling:

"The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) has asked football’s governing body FIFA to prevent five Premier League clubs from selecting their Brazilian players for a five-day period.(Via: The Athletic)"

Newcastle United will miss the services of Jonjo Shelvey (calf injury), Karl Darlow (COVID-19), Isaac Hayden (Knee injury), Paul Dummett (calf injury), and Martin Dubravka (Foot injury) when they travel to Old Trafford on Saturday. The home side welcomes Alex Telles and Scott McTominay back to the squad after their recoveries from injuries.

Will Cristiano Ronaldo start for Manchester United?

This is the question that has been prominent on social media – but nobody knows the answer to the question, though, with conflicting reports coming from the Old Trafford camp.

According to several reports, Ronaldo’s second full debut for Manchester United will be delayed as he resumed full training from Wednesday on only. It is highly unlikely for him to take the field against Steve Bruce’s side from kick-off but could still be introduced.

Manchester United vs Newcastle United: Predicted Line-ups

Manchester United:

Goalkeeper: David de Gea;
Defenders: Aaron Wan Bissaka, Raphael Varane, Harry Maguire, Luke Shaw;
Midfielders: Nemanja Matic, Paul Pogba, Bruno Fernandes;
Forwards: Mason Greenwood, Edison Cavani, Jadon Sancho

Newcastle United:

Goalkeeper: Freddie Woodman;
Defender: Federico Fernandez, Jamal Lascelles, Fabian Schar;
Midfielders: Jacob Murphy, Joe Willock, Sean Longstaff, Miguel Almiron, Matt Ritchie;
Forwards: Callum Wilson, Allan Saint-Maximin

Manchester United vs Newcastle United: Combined XI

"David de Gea (GK), Aaron Wan Bissaka, Harry Maguire, Fabian Schar, Luke Shaw, Sean Longstaff, Paul Poga, Bruno Fernandes, Miguel Almiron, Mason Greenwood, Allan Saint-Maximin"

Man United vs Newcastle score prediction

James Ward Prowse spoiled Newcastle United’s party just before the international break when he scored a goal in the 96th minute of the game.

Though the Toon Army can put in a resilient display, their defensive frailties, if not addressed, will cost them hugely. I predict the Red Devils to take home all three points on Saturday with ease.

What are your predictions for the Manchester United vs Newcastle game? Have your say below!