United must be wary of these two Newcastle stars this weekend

United must be wary of these two Newcastle stars this weekend

Years ago (many, years ago), a trip to St James Park for Manchester United would have been one of the toughest and most daunting on the fixture list.

The clash has produced classics in the past. A thrilling 5-3 win for the Red Devils in 2002; the subsequent 4-3 defeat on Tyneside a year later; and of course perhaps Newcastle’s greatest ever Premier League result – the 5-0 drubbing of United in October 1996. (although United certainly had the last laugh come the end of the season. Sorry Kevin Keegan)

The fixture has fallen in anonymity in recent years however. Newcastle have been relegated, re-promoted and continue to struggle in England’s top flight, while United have endured problems of their own, falling from the pinnacle of English football and into a top six battle since the departure of Sir Alex Ferguson.


Given the two sides form, Sunday’s trip to St James should be a routine victory for Jose Mourinho’s side – however you can bet you bottom dollar that the Magpies will by no means make it a stroll in the park, especially this Newcastle duo who United will have to keep a beady eye on at the weekend …

Islam Slimani

A man with a point to prove, Islam Slimani arrives at St James Park with a (perhaps unfairly) damaged reputation from his time at Leicester City. The Algerian was given few chances to show his worth at the King Power, and despite popping up with a goal the majority of the time when called on – he was still just the ‘target man from the bench’ option.

At Newcastle however, it is likely his fortunes will turn. Slimani is just the type of striker the Magpies need, and the kind of player that suits their style of play perfectly. Big, combative and excellent at holding the ball up, the Algeria international should prove a good foil for the pace and delivery of Christian Atsu and Matt Ritchie out-wide.

Whoever Jose Mourinho chooses as his centre-half pairing will need to have their wits about them when balls come into the box – Slimani is lethal in the air.

Ayoze Perez.

Ayoze Perez

Plan A is Slimani. Plan B is likely to be this man. While he lacks the physicality and prowess in the box of Slimani, the Spaniard certainly has qualities of his own – one of them being an annoying habit of popping up in the right place at the right time.

Striker, winger, attacking midfielder, Perez is a versatile threat and his energy from the bench has proved priceless for Newcastle at times, as shown by his 29 goals since joining the club in 2014.

While he has been a regular in the first team this season, the signing of Slimani is likely to see him demoted to the bench. However, it’s not all bad news, as the Spain U21 international can now resume his role as the club’s ‘super-sub’ rather than ‘average left midfielder’.