Newcastle v Man United: Form indicates Red Devils win

Manchester United have failed to set the world on fire under David Moyes but a glance at the form table shows that all is not as bad as the papers would have you believe.

The outgoing champions have lost just two of their last eight games – against league leaders Liverpool and champions-elect Manchester City – and while they have struggled at Old Trafford this term, are on a decent run away from home.

Moyes’ men have lost just two of their last 13 league games on the road and go into Saturday’s game against Newcastle having won three away matches on the bounce without conceding a goal.

This makes them worthy 19/20 favourites for the encounter, especially with the Magpies losing five of their last seven at home and failing to register a goal in each of those defeats.

The hosts can be backed at 11/4 to bring United back down to earth following their mid-week Champions League heroics, but with just one win from 12 home games against the Red Devils, the draw looks to be the best they can hope for at 5/2.

Newcastle’s defensive frailties and shot-shy attack were exposed in emphatic fashion by Southampton last time out and with the Saints running out 4-0 winners it stands to reason that United will be among the goals here.

Wayne Rooney has four goals from his last four starts and with 10 strikes in 20 career games against the Magpies looks a good bet to score anytime at evens.

However, the England man has netted first six times for club and country this season so the 4/1 on him opening the scoring at St James’ Park should also tempt.

Strike partner Danny Welbeck has now gone five games without a goal but with 13 strikes to his name has been in fairly good form this season, and represents a viable alternative to Rooney.

The 23-year-old was harshly denied a goal against Bayern Munich on Tuesday night before wasting a glorious opportunity later during that game and his desire to lay those ghosts to rest make him a worthy pick at 6/1 to open the scoring here.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing.

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