Newcastle United Out To Break A 94-Year Jinx Against Faltering Manchester United
One of the Premier League’s most intriguing encounters beckons this Sunday as Newcastle United host Manchester United at St James’ Park — a fixture rich in history, significance, and this time, a rare chance for Newcastle to erase a painful 94-year drought.
For almost a century, the Tyneside faithful have waited to see their side complete a league double against the Red Devils, a feat last achieved in the 1930-31 season with dramatic 7-4 and 4-3 victories. Now, with Manchester United’s recent struggles compounded by inconsistent form and Newcastle’s upwards trajectory under Eddie Howe, optimism is quietly brewing on Tyneside that history could finally be remade.
The contrast between the two giants' fortunes could hardly be clearer when examining recent form.
Newcastle currently sit fifth in the Premier League form table, having claimed an impressive 12 points from their last six matches — including clinical wins over Leicester (3-0), Brentford (2-1), and West Ham (1-0). They have scored 10 times but still shown some defensive vulnerability, conceding 10 goals. Stretching back over 15 league games, their momentum intensifies, with 11 victories and 33 points collected.
Conversely, Manchester United occupy ninth spot in the short-term form chart, with only 9 points from the same stretch — managing two wins, three draws, and a solitary loss. Over 15 matches, the gulf widens: just 4 wins and 16 points, a testament to their patchy campaign under new management following over a decade of post-Ferguson decline. No surprise many now see them as a mid-table outfit, a shadow of their former dominance.
For Eddie Howe’s resurgent side, Sunday represents more than just history. It’s a chance to solidify their Champions League hopes, with the Magpies poised tantalisingly close to sealing a top-four finish after already ending a 70-year trophy drought by lifting the Carabao Cup earlier this season. The hunger is palpable — both for glory and long-awaited bragging rights over a traditional rival.
Yet Newcastle’s bid is not without complications. Howe faces a mounting injury crisis; Anthony Gordon remains doubtful after failing to recover from an England duty knock, Joe Willock continues his concussion recovery, while Jamaal Lascelles, Lewis Hall, and Sven Botman are also unavailable. The manager bluntly admitted, “Anthony Gordon wasn’t close [for Leicester]. We hope we may see him soon, but I have got no certainty on that.”
Manchester United have fewer fresh worries, seeing returns to fitness for Harry Maguire and teenager Leny Yoro, though key players like Lisandro Martinez, Amad Diallo (sidelined since February), Ayden Heaven, Matthijs de Ligt, and Jonny Evans remain out. Meanwhile, Red Devils supporters cling to a Europa League dream as their domestic ambitions fade.
The outcome will hinge on Newcastle maintaining their clinical edge, despite rotation pressures with key fixtures against Crystal Palace, Aston Villa, Chelsea, and Arsenal looming. Howe admits he might settle for a scrappy one-goal win over a statement thrashing; nonetheless, fans dream of a performance reminiscent of Keegan’s entertainers — invoking memories of Ginola, Shearer, Ferdinand, and Albert’s famous chip — to finally exorcise a 94-year old ghost.
Regardless of individual injuries and patchy form, Sunday’s clash remains a captivating chapter in an age-old rivalry. Will Newcastle finally double Manchester United and tighten their Champions League grip, or can the Red Devils salvage pride and delay history yet again?
Share your predictions, insights and memories of this fierce fixture in the comments below — and join the debate as another tantalising Premier League weekend unfolds.
