Three things spotted in Man Utd training ahead of Newcastle clash

Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag reviews the Fulham win

Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag will be hoping to boost his side’s chances of finishing in the Premier League top four with victory over Newcastle on Sunday. The Red Devils go into the match at St James’ Park looking to build on victories over Real Betis and Fulham before the international break. With Eddie Howe’s side also looking to qualify for next season’s Champions League, however, the game won’t be straightforward.

Manchester United had started to look a little leggy before club football was halted earlier in the month.

But the Red Devils were still able to enter the international break on a high, having battled their way to victories over Real Betis and Fulham.

Now, United will lock horns with Newcastle hoping for a second win over the Toon this season.

They beat Howe’s team 2-0 in the Carabao Cup final at Wembley last month, with Marcus Rashford and Casemiro both on target.

The match between the pair at Old Trafford did, however, end goalless back in October – with both Rashford and Cristiano Ronaldo spurning big chances to score.

With players recently returning to training, Express Sport now takes a look at three things spotted.

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Rondos

United love a rondo.

In fact, most clubs do due to the way it allows players to work on improving their retention and distribution of the ball.

And it was no surprise to see United players involved in that drill earlier in the week, with Anthony Elanga snapped in the middle during one session.

The Sweden international could be seen trying to get the ball back from Lisandro Martinez, with Facundo Pellistri also involved.

And Benni McCarthy watched on, with the South African continuing to impress with his coaching methods at the club.

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Jogging

United players were also photographed jogging during the session at their Carrington training complex.

Centre-backs Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof looked content, with both players recently featuring for England and Sweden respectively.

Bruno Fernandes and Luke Shaw also had big smiles on their faces.

But Wout Weghorst looked more serious as he was put through his paces.

The Netherlands international will be hoping to score more goals for United in the coming weeks ahead, having netted just twice since his loan move from Burnley last month.

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Posing

United had seen Antony suffer with a minor illness prior to the pause of club football.

But the United star will be hoping to now play a key role as the Red Devils look to finish the campaign on a high.

Antony spotted a camera and had no problem posing while standing alongside Diogo Dalot.

Another thing spotted was Zidane Iqbal, too.

The youngster has been on the fringes of first-team action this term but, with United still having many games left to play, may finally get some minutes.

Paul Merson’s prediction

Speaking ahead of the game, meanwhile, Paul Merson is tipping Newcastle to get the better of United.

“What a game,” he wrote.

“This game could really open it up. If Newcastle win this game, Man United will need to work hard to get into the top four. They could end up in fifth place in the Premier League table by the end of the weekend.

“Manchester United aren’t playing well at the moment and they’re very reliant on Marcus Rashford and his goals. Someone else has got to chip in now. They’ve had some results but they aren’t ripping it up.

“Newcastle are playing at home and a draw isn’t good enough for them. I’m going to go with Newcastle to win this game.”

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