OPINION
Newcastle United know that anything other than a win against Manchester United this weekend will send them into the second international break of the season without picking up three points in the Premier League.
The Magpies have admittedly faced up to most of the division’s top teams already in just their first seven games, but a 2-0 home loss to Leicester last time out really illustrated where they stand this term.
Rafa Benitez has his work cut out to revive their fortunes in the coming months, and with an international break looming again, time is running out for that to happen soon.
A match against Manchester United may look like a tough test, and it no doubt will be, but if there was ever a time to face the Red Devils it would be now.
Jose Mourinho’s men have suffered their worst start to a domestic season in 29 years, and a dismal performance in a 0-0 draw with Valencia at Old Trafford on Wednesday added to their woes.
Midfielder Marouane Fellaini has now spoken about their upcoming clash with the Magpies, and has provided Benitez’s men with the perfect motivation for Saturday.
As quoted by the Evening Standard, he said: “We have the the next game Saturday and we play every three days so it is another chance to do better. We have to work hard and try to win on Saturday.
“It is always good to win the game before the break for internationals. It’s important.”
You can tell that the pressure is beginning to mount on the players as well as manager Mourinho, who could very well lose his job if the Magpies pull off a famous win at Old Trafford.
That ever-increasing pressure in the red half of Manchester is the perfect opportunity for the Magpies to go there and get a result to head into the international break on a high.
To be honest, even a draw would be a hugely positive outcome for the Toon, who are already three points adrift in the bottom three alongside Huddersfield and Cardiff, two other winless sides.
They must now use the pressure upon Manchester United as motivation, with the pressure currently upon the Magpies dwarfed by that which will be weighing upon their rivals.
