History backs Man Utd for devilish demolition of Newcastle

Skipper Wayne Rooney himself hit a double in this fixture last season, and badly needs to get on the scoresheet to silence critics.

Man Utd’s leading man has notched 12 goals in 22 career games against the Magpies, so could not wish for more malleable opposition. Back Rooney to get back to his rampant best here, where he is 7/2 to open the scoring.

Having lost out on Pedro to Chelsea, Man Utd need a statement from their forward line, though their defence looks tidy despite missing out on defender Nicolas Otamendi. With Chris Smalling boisterous at the back, the Old Trafford outfit are 6/5 to win to nil and keep a third clean league sheet in a row.

Should you favour the underdog, Steve McClaren’s side are 8/1 for a shock win, or 15/4 to hold their hosts to a draw. Newcastle have done it before, stunning United with an away win in 2013. Yet that is their only victory at Old Trafford in 21 Premier League visits.

Clashes between the two do historically bring a glut of goals, with another Clockwork Orange talent in Georginio Wijnaldum (5/1 to be on target again anytime) perhaps Newcastle’s best chance of netting. Alternatively Magpies makrsmen Papiss Cisse and Aleksandar Mitrovic are respective 11/4 and 10/3 punts in the same market.

Betting tip: with Memphis Depay in fine form, back him at 2/1 to score and Man Utd to win in Cora’s Match Special (max stake £20)