Ex-Manchester United and Newcastle striker Michael Owen is expecting a tight contest when his two former teams face other at St James’ Park this evening.

The Magpies go into the match off the back of a 3-1 home win against Burnley, while the Red Devils are reeling following their humiliating defeat at the hands of Tottenham last time out, but despite the problems that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s side face, Owen is backing them to get a draw tonight:

“United come into this in disarray. The result against Tottenham won’t be forgotten quickly and I think it may take a few weeks yet for United to find their feet. I’m going for a draw.”

Owen is predicting a 1-1 scoreline, which may not be a bad result considering what has gone on over the last few weeks. Manchester United need to steady the ship and while dropping more points this weekend would still be seen as a failure, they must make sure they are not on the wrong end of another defeat, first and foremost.

Newcastle’s form has been erratic but they do present a genuine threat and Solskjaer’s men need to show they can grind out a result after the demoralising loss against Spurs.