Newcastle United v Manchester United: Key stats and talking points

Newcastle United may have progressed into the knockout stages in Europe but their league form has fallen off a cliff as they prepare for Wednesday night's (20:15 GMT) clash with a Manchester United side who are unbeaten in 11 top-flight games.

The Magpies have lost five of their last six in the Premier League, including each of their last three at St James' Park – the first time that's happened since February 2021 under Steve Bruce.

Magpies flapping

Over the last six games, Newcastle are second-bottom of the form table, earning fewer points than the three clubs in the relegation zone. Only crisis-hit Tottenham Hotspur have fared worse in that timeframe.

It's a dip that's seen them drop from ninth to 13th in the table ahead of a busy March schedule that includes an FA Cup fifth round meeting with Manchester City and both legs of the Champions League last 16 tie with La Liga frontrunners Barcelona.

Head coach Eddie Howe has struggled to find the right balance in attack in recent weeks, with club record signing Nick Woltemade playing in a deeper role and Anthony Gordon struggling to replicate his excellent European form on the domestic front.

Last week's 3-2 defeat by Everton was the second game in a row in which Woltemade failed to register a touch in the opposition box, sparking a debate about how best to use the 6ft 5in Germany international forward.

One crumb of comfort for the Toon Army is their side's recent record in this exact fixture. Newcastle have come out on top in their last three home league games against the Red Devils, as many as they won in their previous 18.

Carrick back at his boyhood club

Michael Carrick may have grown up supporting Newcastle United, but his colours are now firmly nailed to the mast at Old Trafford.

Sunday's win over Crystal Palace means the Manchester United head coach is unbeaten in nine Premier League games across two spells, equalling the best start by a boss in the competition's history.

Ange Postecoglou's reign at Spurs began with 26 points from 10 games, which Carrick could match with victory in the North East on Wednesday.

Six wins from seven since taking charge again in January have lifted the Reds to third in the table at the end of a matchweek for the first time since May 2023 and Champions League football looks a realistic prospect once again.

Benajmin Sesko's contributions off the bench earned him a start against Palace and he duly rewarded Carrick with a fine header to win the game. Seven goals in his last eight appearances mean no Premier League player has scored more in domestic competitions since the turn of the year.

It was Bruno Fernandes who provided the cross for Sesko's winner against the Eagles; the Portuguese playmaker's 13th league assist of the season. The United captain is closing in on David Beckham's club record of 15 assists in the 1999-00 league season.

That comeback victory over Palace means the Red Devils have recovered nine points from losing positions in 2026, more than any other side. They have only lost one of the last eight league matches in which they have fallen behind (won three, drawn four), having lost 10 of their previous 13 when trailing (drawing three).