United are no strangers to difficult afternoons at St James’, winning just two of their last seven visits.
Joe Willock and Callum Wilson’s goals condemned them to a 2-0 defeat in the Premier League last season.
And Newcastle will be out for blood again after already getting the better of United this term in their 3-0 Carabao Cup fourth-round triumph at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils have won five of their last six Premier League games to move one point above Newcastle and two below the Champions League spots in sixth.
Meanwhile, Eddie Howe’s squad has been struck by a wave of injuries, contributing to just one win in their last four games in all competitions.
St James’ Park has become even more of a fortress this season, though, and United wouldn’t be the first heavyweight slain if they taste defeat this weekend.
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Newcastle started the campaign with a stunning 5-1 home victory against Aston Villa before marking their Champions League return by hammering Kylian Mbappe’s Paris Saint-Germain 4-1.
Last weekend, Chelsea were also on the wrong end of a 4-1 loss in the Premier League as Mauricio Pochettino’s men crumbled under the intense cauldron of Geordie support.
United’s record against top-half Premier League sides since Ten Hag took charge last season has been abysmal.
This term, the Red Devils have lost all four such meetings, most recently a 3-0 derby defeat to Manchester City at Old Trafford.
