Dimitar Berbatov is not expecting free-flowing football this evening but the former Manchester United striker thinks the Reds will progress to the quarter-finals of the Carabao Cup tonight.
In a repeat of last season’s Carabao Cup final, Manchester United take on Newcastle and know that a win would stand them in good stead to go all the way in the competition.
Erik ten Hag saw his side well beaten by rivals Man City on Sunday as his difficult start to the season continues. Newcastle, meanwhile, have lost some of their momentum in recent weeks.
The game kicks off at 8.15pm and it will be shown live on Sky Sports Football, with coverage beginning at 7.30pm.
Berbatov told Betfair, as per Manchester Evening News: “If they lose against Newcastle, the spotlight will be on Ten Hag again, but that’s football. I don’t know how long United’s patience will last, but I hope it doesn’t come to Ten Hag losing his job. If United win, it’ll give them peace of mind for a while. I don’t care how, but United must beat Newcastle. I’ll back United to get an ugly win.”
Manchester United vs Newcastle prediction
The Reds look a million miles off the pace and are showing signs of a side that has regressed. However, a lot of that is probably down to injuries and Ten Hag knows he can’t have any excuses tonight.
Ten Hag needs to demand higher levels from his players to beat Newcastle tonight.
Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Newcastle
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Half right, old chap: it was ugly.