Man Utd had a better season than many predicted last season. Has their pre-season preparation filled you with the hope that you’ll do the same again this season?
Absolutely. Louis van Gaal made it clear last season that the aim was to come 4th – this season we’ll definitely be in the top 3. Our pre-season helped us bridge some tactical gaps and our first two games have been excellent defensively.
What new arrivals should Newcastle be wary of?
The main worry for Newcastle will be Memphis, who will likely play wide left again; with Janmaat suspended, he’ll certainly cause problems – he’s looked better in every game so far and Premier League goals aren’t far away.
What do you make of Newcastle’s summer business so far?
I’m impressed with the signing of Wijnaldum, I think he could easily be a rotation player at a top 5 club. Mitrovic is also a shrewd signing, but I think it’ll take him some time to get into the swing of things.
What is your take on Newcastle’s managerial appointment? Is McClaren good enough for the Premier League
He’s not good enough to take a team into the top half of the table and keep them there, but you have to question if Mike Ashley actually cares about that. He’ll certainly prevent relegation though and he’s much more use than John Carver!
Which Newcastle player(s), if any, would you take at Old Trafford?
Personally, I’d take Wijnaldum, Ayoze Perez and Olivier Kemen. I’ve already told you what I think of Wijnaldum, but I think Ayoze is ignored a lot by fans of other clubs. He’d be a good addition as a third striker and I see a lot of the old Javier Hernandez in him. Kemen is a huge talent – I’ve been to a couple of Newcastle u21 games and he’s thoroughly impressed me. He’d fit in well next to Timothy Fosu-Mensah and Axel Tuanzebe in United’s youth system, but I think McLaren should be looking to gradually bring him into your first team.
Who will the Man United fear in a black and white shirt?
Sissoko. His power will be a worry up against Daley Blind. Blind’s impressed against Spurs and Villa but he was up against a rather average-looking Harry Kane and then Gabriel Agbonlahor, neither of whom are as bullish as Moussa.
Lastly, your predicted line-up and score prediction
Romero; Darmian, Smalling, Blind, Shaw; Carrick, Schneiderlin, Januzaj; Memphis, Rooney, Mata.
I’ll go for a 3-0 Man United win. We’re looking strong and I’m feeling confident.
