Newcastle don’t have a very good record when it comes to this fixture, and with them looking a side which is certainly a little worse for wear having just returned to the top flight this is probably not an opening game that they will be relishing. They have only won nine times in 70 visits to Old Trafford and have never beaten the Reds at their home ground in the Premiership.
The Magpies are looking at a hefty list of injuries and doubtful starts for their 1st match including new signing Sol Campbell and ex Manchester United player Alan Smith. In all honesty it was quite impressive that Newcastle managed to come straight back up from the Championship although this is going to be a rude awakening for them as they return to their life in the premiership. Manager Chris Hutton dealt very well with the clubs financial constraints and even Alex Ferguson has been quoted as giving him credit as a manager for that.
This could be the best start to the season that Manchester United could’ve hoped for, this matchup’s history of going in their favour will surely not go unnoticed added to which Newcastle aren’t half the team they were 10 years ago.
Hernandez may have scored in the Charity shield match last week, but it seems pretty likely that he will be starting on the bench and Ferguson will go with the combination of Michael Owen and Wayne Rooney in attack. Rooney will be looking to return to some semblance of form after he severely disappointed in the world cup.
This match is only ever going to go one way, and that is a home side victory, those odds in favour of Newcastle winning may look tempting, but let’s face it they haven’t got much of a chance.