EPL: Manchester United vs Newc

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Paul Pogba of Manchester United scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on August 10, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

EPL: Manchester United vs Newcastle – team news, preview and kick-off time

Jose Mourinho and Rafa Benitez renew their rivalry as Manchester United host Newcastle on Saturday night.

EPL: Manchester United vs Newc

MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – AUGUST 10: Paul Pogba of Manchester United scores his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Leicester City at Old Trafford on August 10, 2018 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)

The rival bosses of Manchester United and Newcastle meet on Saturday – and could be forgiven for thinking where it all went wrong.

Jose Mourinho and his old adversary Rafa Benitez clash at Old Trafford with their domestic and continental trophy hauls feeling like a distant memory.

Both have endured troubled starts to the new EPL campaign.

United have been beaten three times already under the charge of the manager formerly known as The Special One.

The pressure on Mourinho is approaching a tipping point after last weekend’s shambolic 3-1 defeat away to West Ham.

Marcus Rashford pulled one back at the London Stadium to make a game of it, but the Red Devils were well beaten by their resurgent hosts.

It leaves them tenth in the Premier League table after their worst start to a season in over 30 years.

Newcastle already look in danger of another drop back to the Championship, despite the stewardship of ex-Chelsea and Real Madrid chief Benitez.

Another spendthrift summer under tightfisted owner Mike Ashley has left the Toon Army scratching around in the relegation zone.

The Magpies are one of three sides without a win after seven games and were brushed aside 2-0 at St James’ Park last weekend by inconsistent Leicester.

A Jamie Vardy penalty and a Harry Maguire penalty did the damage, leaving a mildly encouraging 0-0 draw at Crystal Palace the week before one of only two points picked up all season.

A trip to United nevertheless feels like a free swing for those in black and white.

For Mourinho, a defeat could well prove a knockout blow.

Manchester United team and injury news

Ashley Young missed out on Champions League action in the week but is expected to return for domestic duty.

United are missing Marcos Rojo, Jesse Lingard and Ander Herrera through injury.

Newcastle team and injury news

Salomon Rondon is ruled out, as is young full back Jamie Sterry.

Paul Dummett and Federico Fernandez face late fitness tests for the Magpies.

Kick-off time

18:30 (SAST) at Old Trafford.

EPL form (most recent result first)

Manchester United: LDWWL

Newcastle: LDLLL

Premier League head-to-head record

Manchester United wins: 26

Newcastle wins: 6

Draws: 14