How Man United could punish Newcastle and tighten grip on Champions League spot

Manchester United will now turn their attention to Newcastle United for their mid-week Premier League clash.

After collecting an impressive 19 points from a possible 21, United will travel to St James’ Park to further solidify their hold on the UEFA Champions League places.

Newcastle are struggling for rhythm in the top flight, most recently slipping to a 3-2 defeat against Everton.

If United want to extend their scintillating unbeaten run, they would be wise to study Everton’s blueprint for success.

Nick Pope is enduring a torrid spell between the posts, and opponents are beginning to capitalise.

Dwight McNeil unleashed a strike from range, which should have been dealt with comfortably by the shot-stopper.

The goalkeeper parried the ball poorly and his delayed reaction gifted Beto the split second he needed to hammer home into an unguarded net.

The England international was similarly at fault against Manchester City the previous week.

He lacked the authority and strength required to prevent Nico O’Reilly from scoring the opening goal of the game.

Alarmingly, it has been more than a month since Pope kept a clean sheet in the league (0-0 draw vs Wolverhampton Wanderers).

Newcastle have a vulnerable last line of defence and United must test it relentlessly by shooting early and often.

Manager Eddie Howe will be particularly troubled by the manner of the goals conceded against the Toffees.

Jarrad Branthwaite ghosted towards the near post from a simple corner routine, a run the Newcastle defence failed to track.

The Everton centre-back barely had to generate power as he guided his header into the far corner.

The second goal stemmed from a glaring goalkeeping error, while the third arrived after Anthony Gordon cheaply surrendered possession deep inside his own half.

Newcastle have now conceded at least twice in five of their last six league outings.

The Red Devils have one of the best attacking sides, full of world-class players in the final third.

Michael Carrick will recognise this as a golden opportunity to secure another vital three points and bolster United’s push for a top-four finish.

Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .