Chris Sutton has explained why he feels Manchester United’s trip to Newcastle could become a Premier League classic on Wednesday evening.
Michael Carrick’s fine run in charge of Manchester United carried on Sunday afternoon, as a gritty win against Crystal Palace propelled the Reds up to third in the Premier League standings.
After falling behind early on, United responded impressively, with goals from Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško completing the turnaround. Focus now shifts to Wednesday night’s trip to Newcastle United, where Eddie Howe’s side await at St James’ Park.
United have not claimed victory at the historic ground since October 2020, when strikes from Harry Maguire, Fernandes, Marcus Rashford, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka secured an emphatic 4-1 triumph. This week offers a real chance to end that frustrating run.
Newcastle, meanwhile, head into the contest on the back of a 3-2 home defeat to Everton and have suffered four losses in their last five league matches, leaving them 13th in the table. Even so, United can expect an intense atmosphere and a stern examination on Tyneside.
Sutton says Šeško could make the difference
As always, former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton has predicted how he feels the upcoming Premier League ties will go, and, speaking with BBC Sport, he’s highlighted that Šeško could be the difference-maker in what could be a classic Premier League clash.
“Newcastle United’s inconsistency struck again in Saturday’s home defeat by Everton, and who knows which team will turn up here,” Sutton said.
“Manchester United were not great against Crystal Palace either, when they needed a penalty and Maxence Lacroix’s red card to really change the game, but they still found a way to win it.
“Benjamin Šeško suddenly looks like a handful for Michael Carrick’s side – he is big and physical and scored a brilliant header against Palace – so Newcastle will have to deal with him.
He concluded, “It is hard to call this one, but there have been so many great games between these two sides down the years, and this could be another classic,” before stating a 2-2 draw as his predicted outcome. AI then predicted a 2-1 win for United.
The battle of summer transfers
United and Newcastle were engaged in a series of summer transfer battles in 2025, with all three of Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo primary targets for the Gordies, although all three ended up in Manchester.
Read More: Man Utd lining up potential moves for two Premier League stars in summer window
Initially, Šeško’s slow start to life was somewhat celebrated by Newcastle fans as their eventual striker signing, Nick Woltemade, scored a flurry of goals at the beginning of the season.
However, with Newcastle’s initially desired front three looking as if they could all line up against Eddie Howe’s men, those same fans will feel quite the opposite should United collect three points.
It’s going to be a physical affair on Wednesday evening, with the likes of Bruno Guimarães and Sandro Tonali hunting for three points, but fireworks are almost guaranteed.
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