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Manchester United will face a fight to end their three-match winless run when they take on inform Newcastle United this weekend. Ruben Amorim's side are yet to win since returning from the international break after a 2-2 Europa League quarter-final draw. The Red Devils were minutes from securing a vital first-leg advantage when a huge mistake from Andre Onana rescued Lyon at the death. Man United have little time to lick their wounds, however, as sandwiched between the two European games is a trip to Newcastle. In contrast to the visitors, the Magpies have won successive Premier League matches since their famous Carabao Cup victory last month. However, Newcastle's preparations have been hampered this week with Eddie Howe battling illness and doubts over other key stars. Magpies assistant manager Jason Tindall is confident boss Howe will be on the touchline this weekend after battling illness. Tindall hosted the club's pre-match press conference on Friday morning in the absence of his head coach. "He's been really poorly the last couple of days in bed, " Tindall said. "We've been in daily contact. "We've been speaking three or four times a day so it's not affected any of the preparations. We've still got a couple of days and I'm sure he'll be fine for the weekend. "I'm not expecting him not to be available for Sunday. "If it was a game that was tomorrow, potentially, that might be different, but obviously we have got the game on Sunday and the extra day will help him and I'm sure he will be there to lead the team. " The hosts are set for a massive fitness boost with Alexander Isak set to be available, while a ‘late call’ will be made over Anthony Gordon. Sweden international Isak has been playing with a niggling groin injury while Gordon suffered a hip issue on England duty. Even if Gordon is available, he would be unlikely to displace Harvey Barnes who has filled in well for Gordon. But Joe Willock will miss out with concussion once more. Amorim, meanwhile, expects to take a similar squad to Tyneside that he did in Lyon, with Kobbie Mainoo making his return in midweek. Ayden Heaven, Amad Diallo, Jonny Evans, and Lisandro Martinez all remain long-term absentees in the treatment room. Paul Scholes has claimed that he doesn't think that Amorim likes his United team following another error showing from Onana. Since the start of last season, Onana has made nine errors that have led to Man United conceding goals, but asked about his goalkeeper's performance post-match, Amorim refused to be drawn into criticising him. Speaking to TNT Sports, he said: "What’s important is to focus on the next game. “When one player makes a mistake, all of the team makes a mistake so we continue like that. ” Asked if he’d consider dropping Onana, Amorim replied: “No, we’ll continue to do the same thing in training, seeing the game and trying to choose the best eleven to win every match. ” Scholes simply wasn't buying that suggestion, as the legendary midfielder said: “I don’t think he believes that, to be honest with you. "I don’t think he likes his team. “I think he knows that he hasn’t got a great football team, and I think he wants and needs better – you can see that from the way he is on the touchline. “He always looks disappointed to me and the way he’s speaking tells me that he’s disappointed with what he’s got and he needs better. “Everyone knows he needs better if they’re to challenge and be where we want Manchester United to be and it’s all over the pitch. “I think he can be quite pleased defensively – they look quite tight and quite solid recently but it’s taken away that goal threat that they should have. “The quality around the pitch isn’t quite there. They don’t have control in the middle of the pitch and he knows, he’s not stupid. “He’s never going to say it but he doesn’t like the football team and I might be wrong, but the impression I get is that this team is nowhere near the standard that he wants and expects and it could take two or three years to get something a lot better and a lot more enjoyable to watch but that’s what he’ll fight for. ” This Premier League game is set to take place on Sunday, April 13. Kick-off at St James' Park is scheduled for 4: 30pm. The game will be shown on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League. Sky Go customers will be able to watch through their laptops and mobile devices. Alternatively, a NOW TV pass can be purchased that will show the match. Head here for more information on packages. talk SPORT will have updates throughout the afternoon on Sunday Session with Sam Matterface bringing you all the goals. Meanwhile, talk SPORT. com will have all the action in our dedicated Premier League blog. To tune in to talk SPORT through the website, click HERE for the live stream. Listen via the talk SPORT app here, or on DAB digital radio, through your smart speaker and on 1089 or 1053 AM. Visit talk SPORT BET for all the latest odds and bet boosts. © 2025 talk SPORT Limited

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