Newcastle United PREDICTED XI (And Score) Vs Man Utd

6. Midfield Pivot - Jack Colback (Swansea Rating - 5)

Jack Colback will start once more against Manchester United as he is currently unrivalled for his position but the midfielder hasn't impressed during the first two games of the season. The 25-year-old couldn't make any impact on last weekend's game and let Jonjo Shelvey gracefully roam around him as he leisurely set up Bafetimbi Gomis for the first goal of the afternoon. The Red Devils' rejuvenated central midfield has looked sturdy this season and Morgan Schneiderlin, Michael Carrick and Juan Mata will present Colback with his toughest game of the season.

7. Midfield Pivot - Georginio Wijnaldum (Swansea Rating - 4)

Georginio Wijnaldum was distinctively average at the Liberty Stadium. The new signing is undeniably a fine footballer when Newcastle have possession and against Swansea (through no fault of his own) they simply never had the ball. In order to prevent this Steve McClaren may (should) look to play the former PSV Eindhoven captain alongside Jack Colback as part of the pivot and use his technical ability to start quicker counter-attacks. Vurnon Anita - who may play right-back- was very poor against the Swans and was unable to get anywhere near the game, playing him against Louis van Gaal's well-oiled midfield would be football suicide.