Man United handed update on potential Newcastle weak link they can exploit
Newcastle are sweating on the fitness of two right-backs ahead of Monday night's trip to Manchester United in the Premier League.
The Magpies head into the match on a four-game winning run, scoring 14 goals in that spell. They currently sit fifth in the Premier League but have been given reason for concern ahead of the trip to struggling United.
Right-back Tino Livramento missed the Boxing Day victory over Aston Villa due to illness and his replacement, Kieran Trippier, was forced off through injury with little more than ten minutes remaining. This led to drastic action being taken as full-back Matt Targett was brought off the bench to see out the match but he had not featured since November 2023.
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Newcastle manager Eddie Howe is now hoping that either Livramento or Trippier will be fit for the visit to United. Providing an update after the match on Thursday, Howe was hopeful that Livramento will be available but was wary about Trippier's potential fitness.
"It was a very strong performance from Kieran. He’s been waiting patiently," he explained. "The little cameos he’s had in recent weeks have certainly helped him get his feeling back and get his rhythm back.
"He’s a vastly-experienced player and I’d no doubt today that he would do well. The only question mark was how long would he last due to a lack of game time.
"But I thought he did very well when he was on the pitch, so let’s see how he reacts to the game." When quizzed on the fitness of Livramento, Howe added: "It was an illness issue, but fingers crossed he’ll be okay for Man United."
Should Newcastle be forced to play Targett at right-back, United may feel this is an area they can look to exploit. Options on the left are not exactly strong though for the Reds with Diogo Dalot having been played there on Boxing Day and Bruno Fernandes suspended for the visit of the Magpies.
Alejandro Garnacho, Christian Eriksen and perhaps a returning Marcus Rashford will be battling to return to the team.
