MANCHESTER UTD VS NEWCASTLE: PREVIEW

Newcastle will be looking to get their first win of the season and take advantage of Manchester United's dire form as they travel to Old Trafford this Saturday.

All is not well on the Red side of Manchester. After drawing to Valencia in midweek Jose Mourinho is on thin ice and is under massive pressure to get a win after failing to do so in their 4 previous games.

The Magpies have problems of their own though. They have failed to win a single game this season and currently sit 18th with 2 points.

But, this is as good a time as any to play a Manchester United team who are low on confidence and divided in the dressing room.

One of the fiercest managerial battles in Premier League history.

VIEW FROM THE HOME DUGOUT

Mourinho admitted that his side "can do much better" and spoke on the importance of beating Newcastle on Saturday.

"Very important (beating Newcastle)," the under-pressure manager said. "I know we are in the beginning of October and you look at the tables all around Europe and the tables in September and October don't reflect what is going to happen in a few months or at the end of the season.

"We can do much better. To do that we need points, points we lost in the last two Premier League matches.

"One point out of six, and we know that we need to improve that position, we need these three points."

Mourinho also said that he is expecting a difficult game against the Magpies and praised Rafa Benitez's managerial skills.

"Our opponent for different reasons they also need the points," Mourinho continued.

"Very, very, very good coach. A team that is always very well organised especially against teams in the rop half of the table.

"The results they had against the top teams didn't get them points yet this season but gave them very close results. Very difficult matches for the opposition, so we expect a very difficult match."

VIEW FROM THE AWAY DUGOUT

Despite Manchester United's recent struggles, Benitez admitted he is still weary of their capabilities.

"In all my time in England, I have never come up against a fragile Manchester United team. I see a team that could be higher but, like us, it's a question of time," Benitez revealed.

The Newcastle boss also addressed his team's need for points but he insisted he is not worried about his team at this moment in time.

"Everton, Bournemouth and Crystal Palace were in the bottom 3 after 9 games last season. None of them were relegated," Benitez explained.

"We have to keep going. We have to keep doing things right, build confidence and things will improve.

He added: "I have a responsibility, & I am realistic. So if we go to January & everyone is happy & we do what we need to do, then it will be better for everyone. I have to do what I have to do so that we can win games. I am 100% convinced we will stay up."

TEAM NEWS

Jesse Lingard, Ander Herrera and Marcos Rojo all remain unavailable after missing United's 0-0 draw with Valencia on Tuesday.

However, Mourinho claimed there is a "possibility" of Ashley Young returning to the squad.

As for the visitors, Venezuelan striker Solomon Rondon is injured with a thigh problem along with Jamie Sterry.

Florian Lejeune is Newcastle's other confirmed absentee but it is uncertain whether Federico Fernandez, Paul Dummett and DeAndre Yedlin will return as they all face fitness tests.

STATS

Manchester United have lost only one of their last 36 home matches against Newcastle in all competitions.

However, Newcastle will be hoping for consecutive league wins over United for the first time since October 1972.

Both managers have impressive records against their opposition. Rafa Benitez has won 6 of his last 9 games against Manchester United but, Jose Mourinho has won all 7 games that he has faced Newcastle at home.

BETTING ODDS

SkyBet has a home win for the Red Devils at 4/9, an Newcastle win at 6/1 and a draw at 16/5.