Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper Steve Harper has tipped Newcastle to beat Manchester United on Sunday, but only if the Magpies put in a ’90 minute performance’.
The Magpies go into the clash with the Red Devils in 16th place, just a single point above the bottom three and without a home win in eight league matches – a run stretching back to October.
Rafa Benitez knows his side must take maximum points to temporarily ease their relegation anxiety, although an embarrassing return of one point from 21 against the top-flight elite is a bad omen the Spaniard will be acutely aware of.
However, Benitez will be encouraged to hear that Harper, who spent over two decades at St James’ Park, believes Newcastle are capable of beating Jose Mourinho’s side and extending his fierce rivals miserable record on Tyneside.
“Depending on what filter you look through, Newcastle are either playing well and not winning, which is a worrying sign, or you believe recent displays suggest it’s only a matter of time before results come,” Harper told the Daily Star.
“But to win this one Newcastle need a 90-minute performance, not 45 or even 70 minutes which they’ve had recently but a strong one from first whistle to last.
He added: “The players will be up for it, the fans will be up for it and knowing the rivalry between the two managers, I’m sure Rafa will have a few tricks up his sleeve.
“So yes, I’m going for a home win – and another game to add to the collection.”
